Messi Neymar, Iniesta, Pique, Xavi and Busquets models Barcelona's new home kit for 2014-15

Barcelona have unveiled their new home kit for the 2014-15 season, uniting stars from the present first team and the future talent of the club as they look to the future after losing the La Liga title on the final day of the season to Atletico Madrid.
The home shirt, manufactured by Nike, features bolder and wider Barcelona stripes in darker tones of red and blue.

Old and new: Xavi, Edgar Ie, Gerard Pique, Sergi Samper, Andres Iniesta, Neymar, Lionel Messi, Jean Marie Dongou Tsafack and Javier Mascherano pose in the new kit

Representing: The shirt, made by Nike, sports the Catalan colours in the V neck pattern

FC Barcelona B-team players Sergi Samper, Edgar Ie and Jean Marie Dongou Tsafack joined first-team stars Neymar, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Xavi, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets to unveil the new kit.
The shirt boasts a new crest, and a unique relaxed blue collar showcasing a Senyera flag in the open V-neck.
It is the first time the Catalan flag has appeared on the front of the club’s shirt.  
Inside the back of the neck is a blue pennant tab with Barcelona’s club motto: 'Mes que un club' (More than a club) and their founding year of 1899.

 

Reclaim: Barca are hoping they will be lifting the La Liga title in this kit next season

Barcelona appointed their former midfielder Luis Enrique as their new manager on Monday after Gerardo Martini's departure.
The 44-year-old, who led Celta Vigo this season, has agreed a two-year deal to take over from Martino, who left his position after just one campaign in charge.
The Catalan club said in a statement on their official website: 'The FC Barcelona board of directors have this evening confirmed Luis Enrique Martineza as the new first-team coach, following a proposal from sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.'

In the past: Barcelona couldn't beat Atletico on Saturday, meaning Diego Simeone's side won La Liga

Read More »

Manny Pacquiao signs new deal with Top Rank diminishing chances of Floyd Mayweather Jnr showdown

The prospect of Floyd Mayweather Jnr ever meeting Manny Pacquiao in the centre of a ring suffered another blow after the Filipino extended his contract with promoter Top Rank.

Pacquiao has committed himself to Bob Arum’s outfit until the end of 2016, by which time he will be 38 and surely considering retirement.

The eight-division world champion’s fights are shown on HBO in America while Mayweather is contracted to rival Showtime, meaning a fight between the two is highly unlikely.

Deal: Manny Pacquiao has extended his contract with promoter Top Rank

Showdown: Pacquiao's new deal means a fight with Floyd Mayweather is less likely

Deal breaker: Bob Arum claims that a fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather can still happen

Official movie trailer for Manny Pacquiao film

Mayweather has three fights left on that deal, taking him to September 2015.

Arum, however, claimed the $300million mega-fight could still happen.

‘We want to fight him and we’re willing to discuss it at any point,’ he said. ‘There are two ways to go here. One is to do a Mayweather fight with both HBO and Showtime involved, as they did with Lewis-Tyson, as I understand Mayweather is under contract to Showtime through 2015. The companies could come together and put on the show.

‘Or, the other alternative is, if Floyd wanted to fight Manny in 2016, he could return to HBO and we could do it there.’

Veteran: Pacquiao is now contracted to Top Rank until 2016 when he will be 38-years-old

A further obstacle to the fight is the fractured relationship between Arum and Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer.

Mayweather has worked with Golden Boy since 2007 and has previously stated his loyalty to Schaefer.

The 37-year-old will return to the ring on September 13 having outpointed Marcos Maidana in Las Vegas earlier this month.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, could fight Juan Manuel Marquez for a fifth time in Macau in November.

Old foes: Pacquiao could fight Juan Manuel Marquez for a fifth time in Macau this November

Read More »

Mario Balotelli in legal battle with ex-girlfriend

AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli is in negotiations with his ex-girlfriend Raffaella Fico for the right to visit the child, called Pia, who is eighteen months old.
Italy man Ballotelli did not acknowledge he was Pia’s father until February this year after DNA tests proved his paternity.
He was allowed to hold her for the first time only a month ago in the court house in Naples, after the judge granted special permission.
Balotelli and Miss Fico attended a private hearing at a court in Brescia, near Milan, to discuss how often the footballer will be able to visit his daughter.
After a hearing that lasted about an hour the Serie A star’s lawyers said that they were confident he would have the chance to hold his daughter again before he leaves for the World Cup in Brazil.
Balotelli’s lawyer Alessandra Capuano told Corriere della Sera:  ‘We are well on track to finding a way for both parents to fully collaborate.’
The judge did not go into discussions on maintenance payments, which are the subject of a separate legal process beginning in September.
Balotelli, who has a turbulent on-off relationship with Belgian model Fanny Neguesha, shed his bad boy image for the court, dressed in muted tones, loafers, a white vest and shirt and sunglasses.
He left the hearing on Monday with his lawyers and security, signing autographs as he went.  
Miss Fico, a former model, wore skinny jeans, a tight white T-shirt and leather jacket, and strode purposefully on towering heels.

Ahead: AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli should be mentally preparing for the World Cup this summer

The pair have had an acrimonious relationship since she fell pregnant in Manchester in 2012, with Balotelli claiming she told the papers about the pregnancy before him.
Miss Fico then appeared to go to great lengths to persuade Balotelli to meet his daughter, posting pictures of Pia on Twitter and speaking of his 'indifference'.
But Balotelli claims that he would not meet her until his paternity was proven by a DNA test ‘because children must not be disappointed by adults who disappear.’

Raffaella Fico outside court: She and Balotelli have had an acrimonious relationship since she fell pregnant in Manchester in 2012, with the footballer claiming she told the papers about the pregnancy before him

Looking every bit the former model: Miss Fico then appeared to go to great lengths to persuade Balotelli to meet his daughter, posting pictures of Pia on Twitter and speaking of his 'indifference

Babyfather hassles: Despite Miss Fico's efforts, Balotelli said that he refused to meet his daughter until his paternity was proven by a DNA test 'because children must not be disappointed by adults who disappear'

In happier times: Balotelli with Miss Fico at the Studio 11 Night Club in Milan in September 2011

‘For a whole year I have tried to reach an agreement with Fico over where, and how, to do this DNA test,' Balotelli told La Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this year.
‘I cannot turn up if I am not certain of being her father, because children mustn’t be disappointed by adults who then disappear. I know something about that.’
In February he finally announced to the world that he had a daughter writing on Twitter: ‘Finally the truth, PIA, sweet child of mine, your dad.'
In April he took the day off training to hold the baby for the first time in a courtroom in Naples, spending about 50 minutes with her.
Balotelli was born in Sicily to Ghanaian immigrant parents. He was placed in foster care at the age of two and from then on raised by his adoptive family in Brescia.

Read More »

Fernando Alonso and Novak Djokovic star in charity football match in Monaco ahead of Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso captained an F1 team against a 'Star XI' in a charity football match in Monaco on Tuesday night.
The star-studded teams were playing in the Star Team for Children annual game, set up by Prince Albert II 20 years ago.
The reigning Monaco monarch was one of the names in action for the opposing team to the drivers, which also starred Novak Djokovic, Freddie Ljungberg and David Ginola.

Goal getter: Tennis player Novak Djokovic opens the scoring for the Star XI against the F1 drivers

Dogged: Fernando Alonso in action for the F1 team in Monaco at the Stade Louis Stadium

Top names: David Ginola (above) and Freddi Ljungberg (below) were also in action in the charity match

Top names: David Ginola (above) and Freddie Ljungberg (below) were also in action in the charity match

Controversial: Claudio Ranieri was sacked by Monaco on Tuesday... but still turned up to manage a team

Tennis player Djokovic scored the first goal for his team, who went on to win the game 3-2.
Meanwhile, Claudio Ranieri turned up to coach the players on the same day he was sacked as manager by stadium owners Monaco.
Leonardo Jardim is the favourite to succeed the Italian, who was gracious in his appearance at the Stade Louis II ground.
Felipe Massa posted pictures on his Instagram account at the event, while Toro Rosso man Daniel Kvyat scored ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix.
The match is played every year in May, find out more by visiting www.starteamforthechildren.org.

Stuck in: Alonso challenges an opposing player as the Formula One players got ready for the Grand Prix

Royalty: Prince Albert II waves to fans at the event which he set up 21 years ago

Star names: Freddie Ljungberg poses with Novak Djokovic backstage at the event

Not holding back: Djokovic, who has the French Open to deal with next week, gets stuck in

Chilling out: Williams driver Felipe Massa chills out with his son in a Juventus shirt ahead of the game

Read More »

David Beckham backs Van Gaal to Succeed at Manchester Uniter

David Beckham believes Louis van Gaal is the ideal choice as the new Manchester United manager and has backed Ryan Giggs to make a seamless transition into his role as assistant boss.
Netherlands coach Van Gaal will take up his post at Old Trafford following the World Cup this summer, with the Red Devils confirming his long-anticipated appointment on Monday.
United also announced that Giggs will be part of the Dutchman's backroom staff, with the club legend calling time on his playing career after 963 appearances for his only team.
And former United midfielder Beckham, who came through the ranks alongside Giggs as part of the famous 'Class of 92', reckons the experienced Van Gaal will be able to banish the memories of David Moyes' ill-fated and brief spell as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor.
He told Sky Sports News: "He has got a history of working with young players, bringing players through academy systems at places like Ajax.
"That can only be great for Manchester United.
"As a Manchester United fan and for Manchester United as a club, to have someone like this with his pedigree - he has worked with some of the biggest and best players in the world."
Beckham claims he had expected Giggs to continue his astonishing playing career, which saw him claim 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.
He added: "I'm surprised he's retired because he was still playing great. Physically he's still in great condition, to play for so many years at the top level you have to be in great condition.
"Now he has a new role at the club and it was great to see him walk out as Manchester United manager for those four games.
"When you've got someone like Giggsy, who all the players respect and all the fans love, it makes a huge difference.
"His role now has totally changed and I'm sure he will find it an easy transition because he takes things in his stride, he's not affected by anything.
"He knows the club better than most people who are at Manchester United now."
Beckham has called on Van Gaal to involve more of the 'Class of 92' at Old Trafford after Giggs brought in Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt and retained the services of Phil Neville for his spell in interim charge after Moyes was sacked.
"It will be great to see if Scholesy, Butty and Phil can be involved," the former England captain said.
"When I saw them all sat on the bench it was an amazing sight and it was one that made me emotional - I've spent my whole career with these lads."
And when asked if he wanted to be sat alongside his former team-mates, Beckham added: "Of course I did, I was proud to see that image."

Read More »

Say it with a statement necklace like Amal's

As a high-flying barrister, Amal Alamuddin's wardrobe must contain its fair share of super sharp black suits. So it's no wonder that when she's outside of the courtroom she likes to wear a whole lot of colour.
George Clooney's fiancée is relatively new on our style radar, but every time we see her she is wearing something bright and beautiful. Between her pink Balenciaga coat, that neon yellow skull T-shirt and those orange heeled brogues, her mantra is clearly the bolder the better.
And although the rest of the world might be more interested in the rock on her ring finger, we're coveting the rest of her jewellery collection. We love her yellow necklace, which features a chunky gold chain and perspex shards.
We can't quite believe we're saying this, but diamonds are no longer a girl's best friend. When it comes to accessorising like a pro, right now it's all about cheap and cheerful costume jewellery and the bigger it is the better. So to make like Amal, shop our round-up of the best necklaces the high street has to offer, starting from just £5.99 at New Look.

Read More »

Shine like Cara in a beaded white gown from Cavalli

Having just witnessed the wedding of her sister Poppy wearing a custom made Chanel gown last weekend, it's only fitting that Cara Delevingne would don a wedding dress of her own by Roberto Cavalli, at Cannes.
The dress was the last piece down the Cavalli Spring/Summer 2014 catwalk, which in the history of runway shows is almost always the designer's take on the wedding gown, and the embellished layered 1920s style dress fitted Cara like a glove.
Whether you are engaged and looking for the perfect beaded wedding dress like the Galliano number that Kate Moss wore on her wedding day, or just searching for your next evening look, you can click on the right to see similar Roberto Cavalli pieces, or for more purse friendly options see our picks below.

Read More »

Look cool, not contrived, in a chic nude bodysuit like Kim

We love it when we find a piece of clothing that sucks you in and instantly sculpts a sleek silhouette- and so does Kim Kardashian by the looks of it! The reality star has been spotted in this form-fitting Maison Martin Margiela beige nude bodysuit on quite a few occasions recently.

She's previously styled it with a bright red Joseph pencil skirt as well as Stella McCartney Carton wide-leg pants, but for her outing here Kim continued her ladylike transformation by teaming with a chic black pencil skirt and her favourite Celine sunnies. The ultimate accessory? Her gorgeous baba North, of course!

Want to tap into the bodysuit trend too? For your own versatile underwear-outerwear specimen for summer why not shop our pick of similar buys below from the likes of Missguided and Boohoo? They've got endless styling opportunities!

Read More »

Buhari disown son arrested by EFCC for N20m scam

A former military Head of State, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has said that the person who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for a N20m scam and who claimed to be his adopted son was not his son.
The former Head of State said that he had no need to adopt any son as God had blessed him with both male and female children.
The disclaimer by Buhari was contained in a statement issued on his behalf by the Chairman of the Buhari Vanguard, Mr. Jasper Azuatalam, on Monday.
“Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) wishes to state categorically that he does not have any adopted son called “Muhammed Buhari” and had no need to adopt a son at any time having been blessed with choice children, both male and female.

Read More »

One Direction's Zayn Malik buys Perrie Edwards' mum a HOUSE

Zayn Malik has bought a new house for fiancée Perrie Edwards' mother.

The One Direction heartthrob has proved himself to be the perfect future son-in-law by reportedly splashing out more than £200,000 on a new abode for the Little Mix singer's mum Debbie in Dorset.

After hearing Debbie was keen to relocate from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, to the southern county, Perrie, 20, was going to help her out with footing the bill for a mortgage - before generous Zayn, 21, stepped in. 

Plenty to smile about! Zayn Malik has bought a new house for fiancée Perrie Edwards' mother, Debbie

  

A source told The Sun newspaper: 'Debbie has been saying how she's got a new house. Perrie was going to get the mortgage for her and then Zayn offered to buy it outright.

'She is just moving stuff in now. It costs more than £200,000 and is a new build.'

Zayn and Perrie have been dating for two years after meeting when One Direction performed on The X Factor - which Little Mix eventually went on to win - with the Bradford-born singer popping the question in August 2013.

What a charmer! The One Direction heartthrob has proved himself to be the perfect future son-in-law by reportedly splashing out more than £200,000 on a new abode for the Little Mix singer's mum Debbie in Dorset

The source added: 'He's a really nice chap for buying the house. It's a lovely gesture ahead of their wedding. He gets on really well with her family.'

But it's fair to say the What Makes You Beautiful hitmaker has a fair amount of cash to splash at present after he and his One Direction bandmates - Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne - were recently named the richest boyband in British music history.

According to The Sunday Times Rich List, the chart-topping quintet have amassed a staggering combined fortune of £70million since shooting to fame on The X Factor back in 2010.  

Generous twosome: After hearing Debbie was keen to relocate from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, to the southern county, Perrie, 20, was going to help her out with footing the bill for a mortgage - before Zayn, 21, stepped in

And it isn't just Debbie who Zayn has been scouring the property market for; the kind-hearted musician splashed out on a new family house for his doting mum, Trisha, in his hometown of Bradford.

In One Direction's movie, This Is Us, Trisha is seen breaking down in tears as her millionaire son presented her with the keys to her plush new pad.

She said: 'I know that you always used to say, "I’ll get you a house one day when I’m older". But thank you for what you’ve done for us. I’m so proud of you.'

Representatives for Zayn Malik and Perrie Edwards declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.

Talented bunch: Zayn has a fair amount of cash to splash at present after he and his One Direction bandmates - (L-R) Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles - were named the richest boyband in British music history

Girl power: Perrie and her Little Mix bandmates (L-R) Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy Nelson and Jade Thirlwall

Read More »

TOWIE's Ferne McCann and Charlie Sims put on raunchy PDA

They are not exactly known for keeping their hands to one another when they are together.

But Ferne McCann, 23, and Charlie Sims, 22, hit new highs on their latest break together as they put on their most amorous display yet.

The TOWIE couple couldn't help but indulge in several public displays of affection while enjoying a boat ride in Tenerife.

The Only Way is PDA: Charlie Sims and Ferne McCann enjoyed one of their most amorous displays yet during a boat break in Tenerife

Cheeky: In one of the more raunchy snaps Charlie is seen planting a peck on Ferne's derriere

Wearing matching red swimwear, Ferne was seen in various interesting poses as she kissed Charlie from several different angles during the relaxing break earlier in May.

The couple have also revealed they are planning to get engaged soon and want to have babies.

Charlie admitted he wants to propose to Ferne 'in the next year'.

Fun in the sun: The TOWIE couple couldn't help but indulge in several public displays of affection while enjoying a boat ride

Laugh out loud: When they weren't attached to each other's lips, the pair looked every inch a loved up couple as they relaxed on a boat

Read More »

Reality TV star Chanelle demonstrates dramatic weight loss by posing next to a cardboard cut-out of her former larger self at London photocall

She piled on more than three stone in weight last year.

And now Chanelle Hayes has demonstrated just how much she has managed to shed by posing next to a cardboard cut-out of her larger former self.

The former Big Brother star, who has slimmed down from a size 16 to a size eight, showcased her trim and toned body in the new images at a photocall for slimming plan TrimSecrets in London.

Quite a change: Chanelle Hayes demonstrated her serious weight loss by posing next to a cardboard cut-out of her larger former self

Bikini body: The former Big Brother star, who has slimmed down from a size 16 to a size eight, showcased her trim and toned body in the new images at a photocall for slimming plan TrimSecrets in London

Chanelle - who said in February she wanted to lose three and a half stone - looked stunning in a two-piece deep pink and black bikini in the pictures which showed off her sublime new physique to great effect.

The star also added a black kaftan to her look to cover up her arms while posing next to the figure, a picture of her wearing a two-piece bikini during her larger days.

Chanelle has previously said that the image was one of the ones which convinced her she needed to do something about her body.

Read More »