Latest news with #ex-Chelsea
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
The One Show's Alex Jones had 'no idea' about the complaints made against Jermaine Jenas
The One Show presenter Alex Jones said she had 'no idea' about the complaints made against her former co-host Jermaine Jenas The One Show presenter Alex Jones said she had 'no idea' about the complaints made against her former co-host Jermaine Jenas. The former footballer, 42, who presented alongside Alex on the programme for four years, was dismissed from the BBC last August due to improper conduct. Former Match of the Day star Jermaine admitted to sending lewd messages to two former colleagues at the BBC. In addition to losing his BBC role, the former England midfielder saw his representation with a talent agency terminated. His 14-year marriage to Ellie Penfold also ended as their separation was publicly acknowledged in March. In a new interview, Welsh presenter Alex revealed she didn't know anything about the complaints until Jermaine left the corporation. The 48-year-old said: "I very much take people on face value. But with JJ [Jenas] I didn't know what was going on. I had no idea. I thought he was taking extended leave. 'The BBC didn't share with me what was going on until they actually dealt with it. And, you know, they did what they thought was right. 'If that was my daughter and she felt uncomfortable with someone's behaviour, I hope that whatever company she was working for would deal with it swiftly as well.' Jermaine recently appeared on The Dressing Room Podcast with ex-Chelsea players Carlton Cole, Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge and compared the worlds of football and television. He spoke candidly about the cutthroat nature of the television industry, revealing that gossiping and backstabbing are commonplace. The star claimed that he experienced this firsthand during his time on The One Show, where he worked with various stand-in presenters. "Television is not like [football], they just talk behind your back," he revealed (via Wales Online). "Everybody in television would just lie to your face. When I was a main presenter on the show, sometimes when Alex Jones wouldn't be working because she was having children at the time, I was working with various female presenters. "We'd come off air and they'd go, 'Oh did you like her JJ', I'm like, 'Yeah she's really good, it's her first time, she's done really well.' And then I'd just see them talking c*** about them going, 'Yeah she's not coming back.'" After being sacked from the BBC, he apologised and said he had done 'nothing illegal' and that 'inappropriate messages' sent were 'between two consenting adults'. Months later, Jenas' wife, Ellie Penfold, announced the couple had split up after 16 years together. She said on Instagram: "I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it's necessary. 'After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. We will remain friends and continue to co-parent.' The full interview with Alex Jones can be read in this week's Big Issue, on sale now.
Metro
2 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Ian Wright names 'major favourite' for 2027 Women's World Cup after England win
Ian Wright picked out the USA as the biggest threat to England's hopes of winning the next World Cup after the Lionesses successfully defended their European Championship crown on Sunday evening. Sarina Wiegman's side were once again forced to come from behind after Mariona Caldentey broke the deadlock for Spain, the world champions, in the 25th minute of Sunday's nerve-shredding final in Basel. Just as they had done against Sweden and Italy previously, the Lionesses dug deep and found an equaliser, with Alessia Russo heading home Chloe Kelly's pinpoint cross to make it all square just before the hour-mark. The two teams could not be separated after extra-time and it was England who eventually prevailed after another dramatic shootout, with the contest ending 3-1 in favour of the holders. The Lionesses' latest triumph represents the first time in history that an English team have won a major tournament on foreign soil, three years on from the side's famous victory over Germany at Wembley. 'No, I can't believe it!' an emotional Wiegman told BBC Sport in the immediate aftermath of England's victory. 'We said we can win by any means and that's what we have shown again today. I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible.' Asked if she was shocked to win the trophy for a second time on the trot, Wiegman replied: 'Yes, yes. 'I just can't believe it. I have a medal around my neck and we have a trophy. 'It has been the most chaotic tournament on the pitch – all the challenges we had on the pitch against our opponent. 'From the first game it was your first game and becoming European Champions is incredible. Football is chaos.' USA head coach Emma Hayes, who was on punditry duty for ITV, said she had greatly enjoyed watching England up close across the tournament and how they were being managed by Wiegman. And while the ex-Chelsea boss admitted she was looking forward to the 2027 World Cup, she was keen to stress that the USA's qualification was not a foregone conclusion. 'I'm an international manager and I get the opportunity to learn from two of the best teams in the world, not just in terms of how they play but also how they're being managed in all the things that come with tournament football,' Hayes said. 'I was English for 120 minutes, but these two to the right of me [Wright and Karen Carney] have abandoned me now that we're talking about 2027. 'Listen, I cannot wait for it but as we know, we have to qualify for these tournaments and the USA haven't qualified yet.' In response, legendary ex-England and Arsenal striker Wright insisted Hayes' USA side were the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy in two years' time. 'They're the favourites, they're the ones to beat. They're so good, they're so good!' Wright said. 'If we get anywhere near them I'd be really happy because they're the ones, they're major favourites.' Despite their painful defeat, Wright is confident Spain will bounce back and be a 'problem' for opposition teams in 2027. 'You can't ignore France either, they seem to be really close,' Wright added. 'I don't know what's missing from them, but there's something missing from them. 'Spain as well, if you look from the forwards point of view, if they can get that centre-forward, because that's what they were missing today. 'If they can get that centre-forward to finish it off then Spain will be a problem. 'They need to do that in the next two years, they need to find that. It might be enough time, it might not. But if they do find that forward then Spain will be a problem.' Former England winger Karen Carney, meanwhile, feels Italy could be a dark horse for the World Cup after their 'exceptional' run to the semi-finals in Switzerland this summer. More Trending Asked if Italy could be in with a shot of the title, Carney replied: 'Yeah, I think they were exceptional. 'They're just developing, probably, a little too soon for them for this tournament. 'Every time there's a European Championship, there's a beacon and everyone is investing and getting better and stronger and every tournament we say that it's the most competitive. That's the levels. It keeps growing and growing and that's the way is should be. 2027 will be exceptional.' Are the USA the team to beat ahead of the World Cup? MORE: England warrior reveals she played whole of Euro 2025 with brutal injury MORE: Hannah Hampton was told she would never play football due to a serious eye condition MORE: Hannah Hampton reveals message Sarina Wiegman gave England players before shootout drama
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ian Wright's huge net worth, family tragedy, Euro 2025 ITV return after Eni Aluko row
Ian Wright is set to be in the ITV Sport studio for England's semi-final clash with Italy, the first time the Arsenal icon has covered the Lionessess since his falling out with Eni Aluko Ian Wright is set to appear on ITV's line-up for England's Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy for the first time since his Eni Aluko dispute. The Arsenal icon had a remarkable journey in his career all the way from non-league football to becoming the Gunners' top scorer, and he is now renowned as a beloved pundit for men's and women's football. Wright will return to the TV studio as part of the punditry team for Tuesday's Women's Euros knockout match. He is expected to be joined by ex-Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, former Lioness Karen Carney and presenter Laura Woods. It comes weeks after Aluko claimed the former England international was blocking opportunities for women in punditry with his continued involvement in broadcasting. The 38-year-old said in an interview with BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour in April that Wright should be more aware of "how much he's doing in the women's game" and added that he could be affecting the chances of female pundits aiming to break into the industry. However, even after Aluko apologised, Wright refused to accept this retraction and urged people to "move on" from the incident. Now, he will return to punditry for the first time since as the Lionesses aim to make it back-to-back finals in the European Championships. Here, Mirror Football has detailed some of Wright's biggest headlines in his career, from his net worth and personal relationships to his work in broadcasting. What is Ian Wright's net worth? Despite earning 33 caps for England, Wright's chances of playing international football were initially slim, signing his first professional contract with Crystal Palace at the age of 21. The late bloomer made up for lost time by scoring prolifically for Palace before joining his childhood friend David Rocastle at Arsenal. He became the club's record goalscorer during a seven-year spell in north London, a record later broken by Thierry Henry. Even while still at Highbury, Wright began his media career, making his debut on Match of the Day in 1997. After decades on the BBC's flagship football programme, Wright left his role at the end of the 2023/24 season. He continues to work as a pundit for ITV Sport and hosts the Wrighty's House podcast. He also appears on the Stick to Football podcast and works for Premier League Productions. Thanks to his extensive work in football, Celebrity Net Worth estimates Wright's net worth to be around £15million. His punditry roles reportedly earn him about £150,000 per year. Beyond football, Wright has presented numerous television programmes, including Moneyball on ITV. In 2019, he reportedly pocketed £400k for his stint on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here. What did Eni Aluko say about Ian Wright? Wright made headlines through no fault of his own when Aluko accused the ex-Arsenal star of blocking opportunities for up-and-coming female pundits. In an interview on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, the ex-Lioness said: "I've worked with Ian a long time and, you know, I think he's a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he's aware of just how much he's doing in the women's game. "I think he should be aware of that. The fact of the matter is, as I said, there is a limited amount of spaces available. If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men's game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women's game, it's a free for all." "But that's not the case. I can't dominate the men's game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example. I don't know about wrong, but I think we need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women's game. "It's still new, it's still growing. There's a finite amount of opportunities and I think that men need to be aware of that. Men need to be aware that, you know, you're in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven't always had these opportunities, and so it's about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway." These words weren't taken well by the general public or Wright himself, as the former footballer is well-known and loved for his support of women's football. Later, Aluko issued an apology on social media for mentioning Wright in what she claimed should have been a "broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football." She added that she has "nothing but love and respect" for her fellow pundit. However, Wright published his response on Instagram, stating he "couldn't accept" the retraction but admitted he wants "to move on" from the incident. In the post, the 61-year-old said: "I have to talk about this week and what's going on, I don't want to endlessly be asked about it. "I've got to say, I'm very disappointed about what Eni has said, she knows how I've helped her, supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she's had with me and my management. "I've seen the apology on social media, but I can't accept it. But I also want to move on. For anyone watching this, I really don't need any further social commentary directed on any of this. The thing about where the women's game is, it isn't about me – it has to be about the collective. "Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women's game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it's going to take everyone to help fix it. So, for me, I always give back to the game, it's given me so much." Who is Ian Wright's wife? Wright is a dad to eight children, including ex- Premier League players Shaun and Bradley Wright-Phillips. The Arsenal legend was still a teen when he adopted Sharon Phillips' son Shaun, who played for Chelsea and England, before the pair welcomed Bradley Wright-Phillips, who carved out a brilliant career overseas in the MLS. By the time he encountered his first spouse, Deborah, the broadcaster had already fathered a third child, Brett. They wed in 1993, but their union came under pressure after it surfaced that Wright had been unfaithful to his wife. The duo had son Stacey and daughter Bobbi-Lee before their divorce in 2004. Wright also fathers a daughter, Coco, whom he financially backs but maintains no relationship with. Looking back on his love life in his autobiography, Wright confessed his remorse as he said: "I got caught up in all of that and cheated on first wife, Debbie, which destroyed my marriage. That was a really horrible period. If there's ever been a time in my life I wish I could change, that would be it." A visit to a Notting Hill pub resulted in Wright meeting his current spouse, Nancy Hallam. The pair tied the knot in 2011 and have welcomed daughters Lola and Roxanne. While he has discovered contentment, Wright has expressed regret for his previous errors. He added: "I didn't experience an enormous amount of love from my mum when I was a child, so I've had to learn what it is and learn how to be happy and at peace. "I've put other people through horrible experiences along the way. If people think that's selfish, then I'm really sorry. Nancy's the perfect woman and I can't stand to be apart from her and our daughters. My love for them is unconditional and my upbringing means I have a lot of love to give now." Family tragedy Wright disclosed that he had lost two significant figures in his life during the summer of 2024. As the football community grieved the passing of Wright's dear friend and former Arsenal attacking partner Kevin Campbell in June last year, the pundit revealed that weeks afterwards his elder brother had also died. "It's been a tough summer," Wright said on the Stick to Football podcast at the time. "My man Kevin Campbell and a couple of weeks later I lose my brother. It's been one of those situations where you just have to get on with it. It catches you every now and then." Speaking about his brother, Wright said: "I'm driving along and I'm thinking of my brother. He was a really good cricketer, a really good footballer. He didn't come up to the house as often as [I'd] like but that's because he's just a loner. "And then all of a sudden you're constantly trying to get in touch with him, come and do this, come and do that, and then bam, he's gone. You know what I mean? "It's tough, man. Now I feel pretty much in control of it, but I know that at some stage later on it just catches you. But you just have to deal with it. "It helps being among people. Grieving is a process. You never know when it's going to come and it's not like it ever leaves you. It's going to come at some stage. Even like now, I just don't know what to say. I just miss them both." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Quickly-forgotten ex-Chelsea star, 30, set for immediate transfer after having his contract ripped up
The Chelsea flop is set for a reunion with a former team-mate OUT OF THE BLUE OUT OF THE BLUE Quickly-forgotten ex-Chelsea star, 30, set for immediate transfer after having his contract ripped up Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER Chelsea flop is set to move to Turkey for Trabzonspor after 12 years in LaLiga. The midfielder enjoyed tremendous success at Atletico Madrid where he amassed a total of 48 goals and 26 assists in 427 appearances across a 10-year stint at the club. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Chelsea flop Saul Niguez is heading to Trabzonspor as a free agent Credit: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images 2 Atletico Madrid have terminated Saul's contract Credit: QualityAnd the ex-Spain international helped Atletico win LaLiga in 2021, Copa del Rey in 2013 and two Europa League trophies ever since breaking into the first team in 2012. The popular No8 only spent one year away from Spain as he was loaned out to Chelsea in 2021. However, the Spaniard failed to replicate the same success at Stamford Bridge as he only managed a mere one goal in 23 appearances. The central midfielder fell out of favour under Atleti manager Diego Simeone last season as he was loaned out to Sevilla - his second loan stint in Spain after spending the 2013-14 campaign at Rayo Vallecano. That is none other than Saul Niguez, who is now heading to Trabzonspor. According to TRT Spor, the Turkish Super Lig outfit have reached an agreement in principle with Saul. Mundo Deportivo report the midfielder will be moving out of Madrid as a free agent after the club terminated his contract. And now the Atletico hero is set to fly over to Turkey to put pen to paper. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke has been looking to add some firepower in his midfield throughout the summer. And it seems like the Turkish outfit have finally found their man as the finer details are being ironed out. Chelsea hunting Morgan Rogers as Garnacho and £100m Jackson wanted by Villa | Transfers Exposed Saul amassed one goal and six assists in 26 appearances with Sevilla across all competitions last season. A move to Trabzonspor would see him reuniting with former Atletico team-mate Stefan Savic.
The Irish Sun
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal ‘miss major deadline to sign Viktor Gyokeres' in blow to Mikel Arteta's transfer plans
ARSENAL'S scramble to sign striker Viktor Gyokeres before their pre-season tour has hit a major roadblock. The Gunners board have failed to agree a fee that will hand Mikel Arteta his desired striker ahead of their trip to Asia. Advertisement 4 Gyokeres scored 54 goals last season and is seen as the best option for the Gunners Credit: Getty 4 Reports suggest he's agreed a five year deal to move to Arsenal Credit: AFP 4 Mikel Arteta is keen to add Gyokeres to his squad The North Londoners have been in hot pursuit of Sporting Lisbon's Swedish hitman, but despite reports of a £55million deal being close, with £7.4m in add-ons, it seems the move won't be sealed in time. Sweden , leaving Arteta's plans in disarray. The report further suggests the hold up is all down to a messy stand-off between the two clubs over the structure of the deal. Advertisement READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Arsenal had hoped to get everything wrapped up before their pre-season campaign kicks off next Wednesday. But it now looks like Gyokeres won't be joining the squad for their tour of Singapore and Hong Kong. During their tour, the Gunners will face AC Milan and Newcastle, followed by a North London derby against rivals Tottenham. If the deal gets over the line, Gyokeres could be in line to make his Arsenal debut in their first post-tour match on August 6 against Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking Exclusive BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 4 The Gunners' hunt for a top striker has dragged on for months, and Gyokeres was meant to be the answer. The striker has been on fire in Portugal , bagging 39 league goals last season and has earned a reputation as one of Europe's most prolific forwards. Advertisement Viktor Gyokeres prepares for LOAN as Arsenal saga rumbles on | Transfers Exposed Having moved to Sporting from Coventry for £20m in the summer of 2023, Gyokeres would leave with two league titles and a Portuguese Cup under his belt. But he's long dreamed of returning to the Premier League after his frustrating spell at Brighton, where he failed to make much of an impact. As he once said, "It would be a great revenge" to prove himself in England after his underwhelming time with the Seagulls. In some more transfer news, Arsenal confirmed the shock signing of Advertisement The England international is the club's fourth signing of the window, following Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and ex-Chelsea goalkeeper to the Emirates for a .
