Latest news with #Principality
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
His integration, Leonardo Jardim, 2004… Our exclusive interview with Eric Dier
Having arrived in the Principality at the end of May, the English central defender took advantage of the pre-season training camp to talk about his arrival, his career and his knowledge of AS Monaco. Like everyone else, he was entitled to his hazing. And ironically, it was at home, in England, that 'Eric Dier sang Bob Marley's 'Three Little Birds' at the team's camp at St. George's Park,in front of all his teammates and the AS Monaco staff. It was therefore between two training sessions and before taking his first steps with the Rouge et Blanc against Coventry (0-5), that the new number 3 confided in us at length. Interview 🎙️ Hello Eric. To start, tell us about the time you had to sing in front of your teammates for the traditional hazing. It was good, especially since I'm experienced, so I know you have to go first (smiles)! It's a really nice moment; it's one of the things that helps everyone integrate, and it's fun too. It's also nice to be here on camp with the team because we all spend time together, which allows us to get to know everyone, so it's great. I must admit it's a strange feeling to be here, especially since I've never been here with a club. I've obviously been here many times with the Three Lions, so I know the place very well. But it's nice to be here, especially since it's a perfect place to train, with fantastic facilitie Eric DierOn the camp at St. George's Park What's it like to be back here at the England national team's base camp? I must admit it's a strange feeling to be here, especially since I've never been here with a club. I've obviously been here many times with the Three Lions, so I know the place very well. But it's nice to be here, especially since it's a perfect place to train, with fantastic facilities! And it's not as hot as in Monaco (smiles)… Do you think this camp can accelerate your integration into the group? Yes, definitely! As I said, it makes things a lot easier because you're with your teammates and the staff every day, including during meals, and not just at training. We spend a lot of time together, so it's something I was really looking forward to, to get to know everyone… and remember everyone's first names already (laughs)! It's really nice and, above all, very important. Personally, you speak several languages (English, Portuguese, and some Spanish and German). Does that also help you integrate and facilitate communication with everyone? Yes, I sincerely believe so, 100%! I always say that languages have helped me enormously in my career and in my relationships with people. Speaking Portuguese, for example, allows me to communicate with Brazilians and some members of staff. I also manage to communicate in Spanish with Ansu (Fati). It definitely helps you connect with people, so yes, it's a fantastic gift. I found a very professional environment, as I expected, with the staff and everyone who works at the Club. I'm not surprised, because I expected it to be very professional, a real working environment. I understood that through my discussions with the management and the coach, but I'm happy that it's been confirmed in practice. Since arriving at the Club, what are your first impressions? Very good! It's nice because it's a young team, and I'm not used to being one of the oldest, as I think only Paul (Pogba) is older than me (smiles). It's a new experience for me, but it's nice because it gives me new energy. I like it, especially since I found a very professional environment, as I expected, with the staff and everyone who works at the Club. I'm not surprised, because I expected it to be very professional, a real working environment. I understood that through my discussions with the management and the coach, but I'm happy that it's been confirmed in practice. Now I just want to work to prepare myself as best as possible with everyone for the season. What do you think of the quality of this squad? I think there's a lot of quality here, indeed, with plenty of room for improvement given the team's youth. So there's room to develop this squad, which is always very exciting. And I think that, regardless of my age, you can always improve, always progress, and that's actually a personal goal. Collectively, I think it's clear that the Club's desire and ambition is to take the next step forward and do even better than last season, to take another step forward. And I can't wait to work towards that goal! Is one of your goals to give some advice to younger people, so they can benefit from your experience? Of course, even though I'm not a 'teacher' (laughs)! But above all, I want to focus on my own behavior and setting a good example. More than words, I think that's the most important thing: showing things before talking. I really like trying to improve myself, to be the best version of myself! It's a club with a great history above all! As I said during my presentation, I think my first memory is of the 2004 Champions League final against Porto. Growing up in Portugal, it was obviously a big event there, especially with José Mourinho. Eric DierOn his first memory of AS Monaco However, I would be delighted to be able to help other players progress, develop, and become better. I think that should always be your goal in life! The best thing is to see that you are making progress and improving; that is the most rewarding thing. I will try to do it personally and help others, to once again reach a new level compared to last season. What does AS Monaco represent to you? It's a club with a great history above all! As I said during my presentation, I think my first memory is of the 2004 Champions League final against Porto. Growing up in Portugal, it was obviously a big event there, especially with José Mourinho. We imagine that the supporters of Sporting, your youth team, must have been rooting for the … Oh yes, we all supported Monaco, that's for sure (laughs)! But there are also so many great players who have played here, whether they came out of the youth system or just came through the club. It's always been a team I've followed, because many Portuguese players I knew have also played here. I repeat, it's a club with a lot of history, an iconic team! And it's a jersey that everyone around the world knows, with the Diagonale. If I have to talk about the present, I was very enthusiastic about what the management and the coach told me, what they expect from me and what they want to do, to continue building here. That's also why I was very motivated from the start by the idea of coming here. You played against this team in 2016-2017. What do you remember about it? It was a long time ago, I was 22 or 23, I think! So my memories are very vague, but I remember that the coach at that time was one of the ones I had at Sporting Lisbon, Leonardo Jardim. João Moutinho, who was already a professional when I was with Sporting's youth team, was also there. I think the matches didn't go well for us, is that right (he says ironically)? What did Leonardo Jardim bring you, exactly? I was very young at the time, only 18 or 19. He was very important to me at a key moment in my development. He was a very demanding coach, who pushed you hard, and like all my coaches between the ages of 18 and 20, he had a big impact on me. I think every coach you work with leaves a mark on different aspects of your life. know he was a great player, especially during his time with Tottenham, where I also played for a long time. And I must say that it's quite rare for English players to go abroad. But for me, it's fantastic to have an experience in another country, in another league... Did you know that you're the fourth English player to play for AS Monaco? No, I didn't know (smiles), even though I knew about Glenn Hoddle obviously. I know he was a great player, especially during his time with Tottenham, where I also played for a long time. And I must say that it's quite rare for English players to go abroad. But for me, it's fantastic to have an experience in another country, in another league… In my personal and professional life, I like this kind of challenge, adapting to a different place and another culture as well. I find it very exciting! The fact that football is different from one country to another is really very interesting for me. And obviously, in my personal life too, living in different countries and having different experiences is also very enriching.. What can you say about Ligue 1 McDonald's? I have to play it first to answer that question (laughs)! Watching it, you can only observe one game, I think you really have to experience this league to understand it better. But what I can say from what I observed last season is that Paris Saint-Germain, who came from this league, won the Champions League! Besides, the fight for places in the Champions League was fierce, and I was really behind AS Monaco, hoping the club would qualify for this major competition; it was really exciting. The fact that so many clubs are fighting for these places shows the competition there is in this league. It's something I found very interesting. So I'm really looking forward to discovering Ligue 1, and I'll be able to give a better answer in a few weeks. But what is certain, however, is that there is a huge amount of talent in France, a lot of talented young players. And then France is a football country, a sporting country in general, it's something that I love and that I can't wait to discover. What can you tell us about your first name? Are you talking about Eric Cantona? I don't really know if the idea for my first name came from him. At the time, he was already a legend, and I adored him growing up! I always had his jersey with that famous upturned collar. When I was a kid, I adored him, he was an incredible character. Is sport in your family's DNA? I think we simply love sports. Personally, I love a lot of sports; I think it's my greatest passion in life. Even outside of football, I really enjoy watching and playing other sports. Which ones? I would say tennis, the NBA, golf, which I play a little, but also the UFC. It's something that's always been part of my family, with my grandfather, my father, and my brothers too, who are very athletic. It's something I grew up with, and I think it helped me on my journey to becoming a professional. Are you really superstitious before matches like we've heard? Yes, but they're just silly things (laughs)! Most footballers are superstitious, but these are just silly little things that I always like to do before a match. The list is very long, but I handle it better now. I think I've managed to shorten it (smiles). I just like to always prepare the same way before every match; it's important to me. My greatest inspiration in sport in general has always been Rafael Nadal! I don't know why, but I've never really had a footballer as a role model Eric DierOn his sporting idols Has becoming a professional footballer always been a dream of yours? (He answers spontaneously) Yes! I don't really remember how old I was, but from the time I joined Sporting Lisbon at eight until I arrived at the academy at 13, I've always dreamed of it. Especially when you join the youth teams, you train where the professionals train, and you can see them up close. So from the moment I moved at 13, I just wanted to go onto those pitches and make my debut. My whole life revolved around that! It was my only dream at the time, and then when you accomplish it, you go from one dream to the next. I was very lucky! Who were your inspirations? My greatest inspiration in sport in general has always been Rafael Nadal! I don't know why, but I've never really had a footballer as a role model. There were definitely players who were at Sporting at the time that I tried to emulate, like captain Pedro Barbosa, because I really liked his style of football. Then there was a Brazilian defender named Anderson Polga. Growing up there, these were people I admired. But by far, my only real idol has always been Rafael Nadal. I've never looked up to a footballer the way I looked up to him! You were just talking about your dream of becoming a footballer and your passion for sport. Can you tell us a little about your role as an ambassador for the Sported association? I'm glad you asked me this question because it's something very important to me, because it's a charity that uses sport to try to help children, as a means of self-development. I'm a big believer in Sported because I think sport can help you develop many skills that aren't just related to playing sports. I'm also thinking of the social skills you can learn, such as how to handle the feeling of disappointment when you lose. Learning respect, teamwork, and being able to be sociable in a group are also important. I think sport teaches you many valuable lessons that you can use in any aspect of your life. Sported also offers children a safe place to go after school. In fact, I've visited some of their centers in London several times. And it's amazing to see what true heroes these people are! They dedicate their lives to children, wherever they are in the country, providing them with a safe place and teaching them discipline, respect, and many important values. They're helping to educate these children; it's truly amazing! What can we wish you for this season? Health, first of all, because that's truly the most important thing (he smiles, touching wood)! Then, I think that both individually and collectively, improvement must always be the number one goal. Yes, of course. I'm very excited to meet them and play at the Stade Louis-II too! I can see it from my apartment, so I'm really looking forward to playing my first minutes there. Are you looking forward to meeting your new supporters? Yes, of course. I'm very excited to meet them and play at the Stade Louis-II too! I can see it from my apartment, so I'm really looking forward to playing my first minutes there. Did you know that the team always receives a lot of away support? Yes, I've already heard about it. I'm also looking forward to discovering new stadiums, and of course, meeting our fans on the road. I like seeing different venues and different fans. So I'm looking forward to seeing our supporters, but I'm also excited to discover Ligue 1 McDonald's.
News24
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Monaco royals celebrate 20th anniversary of Prince Albert's reign
PascalMonaco's Prince Albert and Princess Charlene celebrated the 20th anniversary of the prince's accession to the throne on Saturday. The royal couple was accompanied by their children, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, and members of the Princière family, at the Palace Square, to commemorate the milestone. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Palais Princier de Monaco (@palaisprincierdemonaco) The prince gave a speech to express his gratitude to the people of Monaco. Red and white macarons and cake were also served at the event. 'The Princière family then went to meet the Monégasques, who came in numbers to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sovereign's accession to the throne,' read a caption from the royal's Instagram. 'A moment at the same time solemn and moving, marked by the unity and fervour of the entire Principality.' The prince was born at the Palace of Monaco in 1958 and was the second child of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. He has been reigning since 2005. PascalHe formally became the ruler of Monaco on 12 July 2005, three months after his father died. Prince Albert married Princess Charlene in 2011, having met her in 2000 at the Mare Nostrum swimming meet in Monaco. They had their honeymoon in SA and Mozambique. The couple had twins, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, on 10 December 2014.
Fox News
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Princess Charlene declares love for Prince Albert after divorce rumors and health struggles
Princess Charlene of Monaco has declared her "love and support" for Prince Albert following her medical saga and rumors of an impending separation. On Saturday, the couple attended the annual Croix-Rouge Monégasque Gala for Monaco's Red Cross. During the festivities, the princess made an impassioned speech about her husband, seemingly hitting back at rumors of cracks in their marriage. "Today marks exactly the 20th anniversary of your accession," the 47-year-old said to her husband, who was seated in the crowd, as quoted by "Twenty years ago, you took the reins of the Principality, and since that day, you have guided Monaco with wisdom, courage, and determination," said Charlene. "In international politics, you are a steady and value-based force that embodies the importance of soft power through your engagement for the environment." During her speech, Charlene got personal. "Albert, you know that I am always by your side, along with the Monégasques," Charlene told the 67-year-old. "We are standing with you, with all our hearts, to protect Monaco and its future under your leadership. We love you, we support you, and we thank you for being there for all of us." Charlene concluded her speech by raising a toast. "Let's raise our glass to our Prince—to you, Albert!" According to the outlet, 10 members of Monaco's military guard performed a moving version of the Monégasque anthem. A visibly emotional Albert sang along from his seat. A few minutes before midnight, Albert and Charlene then swayed hand-in-hand to Coldplay's "Everglow." Later in the evening, Billy Idol played over 10 of his biggest hits, including "Eyes Without a Face," which Charlene and Albert sang along to. When the British rocker asked the crowd, "Do you want to have some fun tonight?" Albert cheered back, "Yeah!" The outlet noted that Charlene and Albert happily danced together past 1 a.m. The evening not only celebrated Albert's 40 years of dedication to the Red Cross, but it also marked the 20th anniversary of his accession to the throne. The son of the late Oscar-winner-turned-princess Grace Kelly became Monaco's ruler in 2005 following the death of his father, Prince Rainier III. WATCH: GRACE KELLY'S SON, PRINCE ALBERT, SAYS HE'S ALWAYS FELT A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT THE LATE STAR Charlene, an Olympic swimmer from South Africa, married Albert in 2011. They share 10-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. The couple's relationship had been plagued with divorce rumors published by German, English and French tabloids while Charlene suffered health woes. A spokesperson for the Prince and Princess of Monaco had no comment to Fox News Digital in response to the allegations. Charlene's health deteriorated while she was visiting South Africa in May 2021. While the visit to her home country was meant to last just 10 days, complications from a previous procedure grounded her for six months. After several corrective surgeries and a subsequent relapse, Charlene returned to Monaco in November of that year. But shortly after she landed, the princess experienced signs of emotional and physical exhaustion. After consulting her doctors and family, Charlene decided to seek medical treatment. It was ultimately determined that Charlene would seek treatment at a center outside of Monaco. More gossip was unleashed when Albert was photographed with his son Alexandre Grimaldi, daughter Jazmin Grace Grimaldi and Nicole Coste, Alexandre's mother, in 2023. At the time, Alexandre, now a fashion model, was celebrating his 20th birthday. It was also then that Charlene's Instagram handle was either deleted or deactivated from the platform. At the time, a spokesperson didn't immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Jazmin, Albert's first child, was publicly acknowledged in 2006. At the time, Albert said he wanted to protect the 33-year-old's identity. Alexandre and Jazmin are not heirs to the throne because their parents never married, as required by the constitution of Monaco. Albert and Charlene's twins are first and second in line to the throne. Albert previously slammed rumors surrounding his marriage. "She didn't leave Monaco in a huff!" Albert told People magazine about Charlene's absence. "She didn't leave because she was mad at me or at anybody else. She was going down to South Africa to reassess her foundation's work down there and to take a little time off with her brother and some friends." "It was only supposed to be a week-long, 10-day maximum stay, and [she was still there] because she had this infection all these medical complications arose," he shared. "She didn't go into exile," he stressed to the outlet. "It was absolutely just a medical problem which had to be treated." While Albert admitted he "probably should have addressed" the rumors sooner, he "was concentrating on taking care of the kids." "I thought it would just probably go [away]," he said. "You know if you try to answer everything that comes out, then you're constantly [responding], you're wasting your time." Albert said that the rumors had taken their toll. "Of course it affects her, of course it affects me. Misreading events is always detrimental. ... We're an easy target, easily hit, because we're in the public eye a lot." According to the outlet, Charlene experienced complications related to a sinus lift and bone graft procedure she underwent in preparation for dental implants. As a result, she had several corrective procedures, including one that caused her to miss her 10th wedding anniversary. Most recently, Charlene and Albert have presented a united front at royal engagements.
South Wales Argus
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Stereophonics wow fans at second sold out Principality show
With the roof open and 30°C heat radiating through the crowd, the band roared through a 24-song set packed with fan favourites and a few surprises. Kelly Jones led the charge with his signature swagger, launching into classics like 'The Bartender and the Thief,' 'Just Looking,' 'Maybe Tomorrow,' and the anthem-like 'Local Boy in the Photograph.' Newer material from Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, Make 'em Wait, found its place among the hits, providing emotional texture between stadium-shaking choruses. Stereophonics wow fans at second sold out Principality show (Image: Damian Edmunds) With ukelele at the ready and anecdotes aplenty, a stripped-back solo rendition of 'Step on My Old Size Nines' offered one of the night's most intimate moments, just Kelly, a spotlight, and 60,000 voices singing in unison. The return of 'It Means Nothing' to the setlist was a welcome surprise, and their cover of 'Handbags and Gladrags' proved once again why their take on the classic still resonates. Support acts Blossoms and Finn Forster warmed up the crowd admirably, but the main event was pure spectacle, giant balloons, pyrotechnics, and a euphoric stadium-wide singalong to 'Dakota' made for a fitting climax. Stereophonics wow fans at second sold out Principality show (Image: Damian Edmunds) Not everything ran smoothly offstage. South Wales' ageing transport infrastructure added its own chorus of complaints, packed trains, hours-long tailbacks on the M4, and logistical chaos left many fans frustrated both before and after the gig. Inside, the sting of £8 pints didn't go unnoticed either. But once the band hit the stage, gripes gave way to grins. After more than 30 years in the game, Stereophonics proved they are still masters of the stadium experience, blending grit, charm and timeless tunes in a night that few in Cardiff will forget.
Mint
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
YouTuber 'dies' in Italian micronation to outwit airline refund policy, here's how he did it
Popular British YouTuber Max Fosh faked his own death to claim a £37.28 ($50) refund after an airline refused repayment for his missed flight. The 30-year-old comedian, known for his 4.7 million-subscriber channel, discovered airlines only offer cash refunds if passengers die. Declaring himself "incredibly petty," Fosh sought revenge by exploiting this loophole. His mission? To become "technically dead" on paper. After researching options, he contacted Seborga, a self-declared micronation in Italy unrecognized by global governments. Princess Nina Menegatto, sympathetic to Fosh's battle against "big bad airlines," agreed to help. Fosh traveled to Seborga, where Princess Nina hosted a faux "diplomatic visit" and signed a custom death certificate validating his "demise." To bolster his case, he staged a funeral with three hired mourners and a eulogy from his video editor. The 'Principality', which has its own flag and currency, participated purely for entertainment. Fosh then submitted the documents to the unnamed airline, betting staff wouldn't scrutinize them closely. The stunt cost him significantly more than the refund, flights to Italy, car rentals, and actor fees, but he insisted it was about principle, not money. Five days later, the airline approved his refund and requested bank details. But Fosh's lawyer intervened, warning that claiming the money was "fraudulent" under the UK's Fraud Act 2006, despite not being outright fraud. Though the YouTuber argued airlines exploit customers with rigid policies, he abandoned the payout. In his viral video "I Technically Died," he urged viewers not to replicate the scheme. Legal experts note that while Seborga's certificate lacks legal weight, using it for financial gain could invite charges. The airline has not commented publicly. Meanwhile, the video sparked global debate, amassing 2+ million views. Supporters praised Fosh's creativity and critique of predatory airline policies, while critics called it wasteful. Social media reactions ranged from "Dude is so petty" to admiration for involving a micronation in "fraudulent behaviour." Fosh, famous for stunts like gambling in Vegas with a talking parrot, turned satire into a viral protest. Though he forfeited the £37, he highlighted how travelers lose thousands to nonrefundable tickets. Princess Nina's office confirmed cooperation was solely for entertainment, underscoring the stunt's absurdity.
