Latest news with #RedDevil


Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Cristiano Ronaldo bodyguard lifts lid on working for him - 'He was threatened'
Cristiano Ronaldo's footballing exploits have raised him to insurmountable fame, and with such notoriety comes an added security risk, as detailed by a former bodyguard Cristiano Ronaldo's former bodyguard has admitted that people and fans would 'threaten' the Portuguese superstar, though his life was never at risk. Having emerged at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo rose to become one of European football's finest and won his first of five Ballons d'Or in 2008 as a Red Devil. A four-time Champions League-winning spell with Real Madrid followed, before a stint with Juventus, a short-lived return to Old Trafford and an unceremonious exit to the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr. Throughout his illustrious career for club and country, in which he has mustered over 900 goals and won countless accolades, the superstar's fame has transcended football. Ronaldo is one of the most recognisable sports stars, if not celebrities, in the world, but such popularity brings with it its fair share of risk. On Wednesday, for example, a fan evaded security before Portugal's match against Germany and invaded the pitch, getting his hands around the 40-year-old before being escorted away by security. The Al Nassr forward has, therefore, often sought the help of a bodyguard, and Hichman, who served him for four years, has given insight into the sort of threats he would aim to deal with and how much he'd be paid. "Our work depends on the client's profile. In the case of Cristiano, with whom I worked for four years, his profile wasn't high-risk because people didn't want to kill him, and he didn't receive death threats," Hichman told Telecinco. "He was threatened by fans or people who wanted to rob him." The 36-year-old Hichman went on to detail the strategies he would employ to keep Ronaldo, his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their children safe. "We always have to know where we're going, who will be there, and have clear entry and exit points, as well as contact points," he continued. "We must always be aware that our lives could be at risk. We have to be willing to protect a person, and sometimes we have to give our lives to protect them. "If I have to use weapons, I will use them. The most important thing is having the ability to think quickly, solve problems, and remain calm in difficult situations." Hichman looks back fondly on his time serving the marksman, claiming that he would earn around £850 per day providing security for Ronaldo, with whom he has a positive relationship despite not working for him anymore. "He is the best boss I've ever had," stated Hichman. "We have a good relationship. Working with him wasn't like working with someone threatened with death or kidnap. We had some silly incidents with paparazzi or crazy fans, but nothing major." Aside from making life difficult for photographers and trying to keep Ronaldo's family out of the public eye as much as possible, Hichman revealed that he never dealt with serious threats to the 40-year-old. There have been many instances of fans running onto the pitch, as occurred during Portugal's Nations League clash this week, to try and get a close-up glimpse of Ronaldo or attempt to take a selfie with him. Yet, in April, Marca reported that Ronaldo had ramped up security efforts after threats were made against his family on social media, allegedly from a group located in Saudi Arabia, where he currently resides.


News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Bruno Fernandes To Stay At Man United! Turns Down Mammoth Offer From Al-Hilal
Last Updated: Fernandes has been the heart and soul in a depleted United squad, scoring 19 goals and providing 19 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions for United last season. Bruno Fernandes is a Red Devil, and he loves it. Amid rumours of a move away from Old Trafford, the Manchester United captain broke his silence to announce he turned down the opportunity to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal to keep playing 'at the highest level". Fernandes, though, did not shy away from admitting that he had considered the move, which media reports said was worth four times his current salary, after being contacted by Al-Hilal's president. 'There was that possibility, the president of Al-Hilal called me a month ago to ask me about it," Fernandes, who is preparing to face Germany with Portugal, told reporters on Tuesday. 'It was a big offer, very ambitious. There was a waiting period for me to think about the future." Yet his heart (along with his family and United boss Ruben Amorim) said different, as the Portuguese decided to stay to feed his desire to continue playing at the top level. 'I would be willing to do it if Manchester United thought so," Fernandes added. 'I spoke to the coach, Ruben Amorim, who tried to talk me out of it. The club said they would not be willing to sell me, only if I wanted to leave. 'I spoke to my wife and family, and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career. 'It would have been easy to move there, but I want to keep myself at the highest level, playing in the big competition,s and I feel capable of it. I am happy with my decision." Fernandes has been the heart and soul in a depleted United squad, scoring 19 goals and providing 19 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions for United last season, winning the club's Player of the Year award for the fourth time. Although trophyless (following a loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final) and dealt with their worst-ever Premier League finish (15th in the Premier League, their lowest league finish in half a century), Amorim and co. remain hopeful about rebuilding and slowly turning their fortunes around.


Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Lisandro Martinez could be set to follow Scott McTominay to Napoli as Man Utd defender linked with shock transfer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LISANDRO MARTINEZ could be set for an exit from Manchester United this summer. The Argentine defender is currently recovering from a long-term injury. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Lisandro Martinez is reportedly gaining interest from Napoli Credit: Getty 5 A transfer would see him reunite with Scott McTominay Credit: Getty 5 The Scottish midfielder has excelled in Italy Credit: Getty Martinez, 27, is now facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford with Napoli reportedly interested. Corriere dello Sport has claimed that the defender is being tracked by the Serie A champions. Napoli are "monitoring" his recovery from the ACL injury that he suffered in February. It is believed that the club are not concerned about his recent issues with injury. READ MORE ON MAN UTD JAD HIS CHANCE Jadon Sancho breaks silence on Chelsea snub as he's sent back to Man Utd To add, it is thought that Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, is a fan of Martinez. It is not yet known whether or not Man United would cash in on the former Ajax man if the opportunity presented itself. If a transfer to Napoli went through, then Martinez would reunite with former Red Devil Scott McTominay. The Scottish ace made the switch last summer and has become a cult figure at the club. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS McTominay, 28, has become an integral part of Antonio Conte's Serie A-winning team. The midfielder netted 12 goals and provided four assists in his 34 league appearances. Adorable moment Lisandro Martinez's mum helps Man Utd star with rehab 5 5 McTominay's heroics have already seen him become a fan favourite at the club. He cost Napoli just £25million, a fee that has proven to be a bargain. Martinez joined Man United in 2022 in a £50m deal from Ajax. He has made 91 appearances in all competitions for the club and won the FA Cup and League Cup. Meanwhile, Man United have learned the wage demands of target Bryan Mbeumo. The Brentford star is asking for a weekly wage of £250,000-a-week. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford


The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Lisandro Martinez could be set to follow Scott McTominay to Napoli as Man Utd defender linked with shock transfer
LISANDRO MARTINEZ could be set for an exit from Manchester United this summer. The Argentine defender is currently recovering from a long-term injury. 5 Lisandro Martinez is reportedly gaining interest from Napoli Credit: Getty 5 A transfer would see him reunite with Scott McTominay Credit: Getty 5 The Scottish midfielder has excelled in Italy Credit: Getty Corriere dello Sport has claimed that the defender is being tracked by the Serie A champions. Napoli are "monitoring" his recovery from the It is believed that the club are not concerned about his recent issues with injury. READ MORE ON MAN UTD To add, it is thought that Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, is a fan of Martinez. It is not yet known whether or not If a transfer to Napoli went through, then Martinez would reunite with former Red Devil Scott McTominay. The Scottish ace made the switch last summer and has become a cult figure at the club. Most read in Football JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS McTominay, 28, has become an integral part of The midfielder netted 12 goals and provided four assists in his 34 league appearances. Adorable moment Lisandro Martinez's mum helps Man Utd star with rehab 5 5 McTominay's heroics have already seen him become a fan favourite at the club. He cost Napoli just £25million, a fee that has Martinez joined Man United in 2022 in a £50m deal from Ajax. He has made 91 appearances in all competitions for the club and won the FA Cup and League Cup. Meanwhile, Man United have learned the wage demands of target The Brentford star is asking for a weekly wage Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford


Malaysiakini
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Gutted Anwar hopes Man Utd avoids relegation next season
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is disappointed that Manchester United failed to clinch the Maybank Challenge Cup after losing 1-0 to Asean All-Stars at the Bukit Jalil Stadium last night. Anwar, who is a diehard Red Devil, was in the stadium cheering his favourite team.