Money, tattoos, Wags and man-bags: A bigger TV audience than the jubilee - Daily Mail Money, tattoos, Wags and man-bags: A bigger TV audience than the jubilee - Daily Mail

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Money, tattoos, Wags and man-bags: A bigger TV audience than the jubilee - Daily Mail

Money, tattoos, Wags and man-bags: A bigger TV audience than the jubilee - Daily Mail

By David Thomas

|


A record 20 million TV viewers will watch England take on Italy tomorrow.

As belief in Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions has soared, die-hard fans have been left scrambling for tickets for the quarter-final in Kiev.

So, with excitement mounting, forget about the offside laws and England’s 4-4-2 formation.

Here, DAVID THOMAS gives the low-down on the really important facts about tomorrow’s game . . .

Wayne Rooney and John Terry are two of the highest earning players at Euro2012

Wayne Rooney and John Terry are two of the highest earning players at Euro2012

THE MONEY

The top 11 players’ weekly wages:
1. Wayne Rooney (Man United) 250,000
2. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus) 180,000
3. John Terry (Chelsea) 150,000
4. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) 130,000
5= Mario Balotelli (Man City) and Ashley Cole (Chelsea) 120,000
7. Daniele De Rossi (Roma) 105,000
8. Ashley Young (Man United) 100,000
9. Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), 93,000
10=. Joe Hart (Man City) and Joleon Lescott (Man City) 90,000

THE HAIR

Rooney celebrates his goal against Ukraine with a hairspray gesture

Rooney celebrates his goal against Ukraine with a hairspray gesture

Despite having spent 30,000 on a hair transplant that hasn’t really worked, Wayne Rooney has

resorted to using a 2.65 gel spray. For thick, glossy locks are vital for any footballer who — as they all arrogantly do - believes in the l’Oreal slogan that they are ‘worth it’.

Striker Andy Carroll has the longest and most swingable mane - although it makes him look like a German porn star from the Seventies. It was Carroll who gave Rooney the bottle of Wella Shockwaves Ultra Strong Rock & Hold Gel Styler.

The effeminate hair product was criticised by ITV pundit and Liverpool player Jamie Carragher who said: ‘Any lad born in Liverpool, in Croxteth, should not be wearing any product.’

Another England player who has spent too long worrying about his barnet is Cheryl Cole’s ex-husband and serial dater of lap-dancers Ashley Cole, who has a disturbingly Taxi Driver-like Mohawk.

For the Italians, the craziest cut is Mario Balotelli’s bottle-blonde Mohican (right), while Andrea Pirlo’s swept-back locks are said to be a legacy of his gypsy heritage.

THE WAGS

The WAG-mania of past tournaments is no more, but several wives and girlfriends have turned up: Coleen Rooney, Toni Terry and Theo Walcott’s admirably understated sweetheart Melanie Slade, for example.

So, too, has elegant yummy-mummy (of three) Carly Parker, the wife of Scott Parker, and Laura (Mrs Glen) Johnson.

Then there’s blond goalie Joe Hart’s long-term fellow blonde Kimberly Crew and Andy Carroll’s other half, model Stacey Miller (recently named as the face of scouseworld.com). Bless!

The Italians’ stand-out bambina is Alena Seredova, 34, the former Miss Czech Republic and wife of goalkeeper-captain Gianluigi Buffon.

THE TATTOOS

Foul tackles ahead: Daniele de Rossi's bizarre tattoo

Foul tackles ahead: Daniele de Rossi's bizarre tattoo

There will be more hideous body art on show than slipped past the dress police in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot.

Wayne Rooney’s torso bears a Cross of St George, a Celtic cross dedicated to Coleen, a guardian angel for son Kai and the words ‘Just enough education to perform’ (the rather apt title of an album by the Stereophonics).

Theo Walcott has a knight and dragon on his left shoulder. Joleon Lescott’s body is covered with tributes to his loved ones and incomprehensible nuggets of philosophy such as: ‘Don’t listen to anyone who says they know me because to have known me would mean there is a new me.’

As for the Italians, it has been rumoured they have special new tattoos for Euro 2012.

Daniele De Rossi has a road-sign on his leg that could suggest: ‘Foul tackles ahead’. Antonio Cassano is covered in Chinese and Japanese script, Mayan symbols and wings on his back.

THE BLING AND THE BAGS

England’s style leader is Ashley Cole who’s rarely seen without a Liz Taylor-size diamond in his ear.

Ashley Young is another earring-lover. But for others in the squad, the most fashion-forward jewellery consists of black and silver friendship bracelets from Links of London and beaded gold, silver and crystal bracelets from Parisian label Trsor.

The key item, apart from BlackBerry phones (one for the wife, another for the agent, another for the . . .), is the footballer’s ubiquitous man-bag. (Manager Roy Hodgson favours one by Louis Vuitton).

Then there are the oversized headphones. Last year’s big brand was Dr Dre, but this year’s must-have are the wireless Sync from the SMS Audio 50 Cent range.

England skipper Steven Gerrard always plays Sex On Fire by Kings of Leon in the changing room before a big game.

One final fashion note: Joleon Lescott has just launched his own Lescott Stewart  range of ber-hip, arty T-shirts.

THE LOOSE CANNON

Italian bad-boy striker Mario Balotelli makes Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne look like a choirboy

Italian bad-boy striker Mario Balotelli makes Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne look like a choirboy

Italian bad-boy striker Mario Balotelli, represents everything wrong with modern football.

He behaviour makes Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne look like a choirboy.

He is best known for his gross sexual excess, (lap-dancers, kiss-and-tells, reportedly cheating on his girlfriend Raffaella Fico with a hooker who had a fling with Wayne Rooney).

His life in England, playing for Manchester City, has been a series of car crashes — both real and metaphorical.

Once his 120,000 Bentley GT was in collision with a Vauxhall Corsa.

Asked afterwards by police why he was carrying 5,000 in cash, he replied: ‘Because I’m rich!’ He recently bought a pair of chow chow puppies.

THE BUNGA BUNGS

Not for the first time, the Italian team — like disgraced former president Silvio Berlusconi — is dogged by corruption allegations.

Their domestic league is at the centre of serious claims of match-fixing and 18 players have been banned from the game for up to five years.

GAME OF LIFE... AND DEATH

A Chinese fan has died after going 11 nights without sleep as he tried to watch every game of Euro 2012.

The 26-year-old reportedly stayed up each night with friends and went to work the next day.

After the Ireland v Italy match Jiang Xiaoshan, said to be supporting England and France, went home at 5am on Tuesday, had a shower, fell asleep and never woke up.

Jiang, who had lived a ‘relatively healthy life’, played football for his university a couple of years before. Sources said that alcohol and tobacco, combined with exhaustion, weakened his immune system.

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

I just don't get how someone can be paid over £100, 000 per week for merely kicking a ball around. Most people don't earn that amount in a year.

Great article, could we have some more in this vein about TOWIE, Geordie Shore, Kerry Katona and the like? - Don Draper , Dumfries, 23/6/2012 09:30 ==================You forgot Rhianna, Cheryl Cole, Katie Price, various so called celeb's from the USA (usually women) that I have never heard of, and not to forget the Kardashians, then my day would be complete.

I am sorry but how can I allow my children to support our team "England" with the likes of John Terry playing while awaiting punishment for racism?

They have played better . For goodness sake at those wages so they should . I am hoping that their antics off the field has changed , a bit anyway . For it was ruining the game . To much money , stupid club owners , at fault .

Come on England!!!

Great article, could we have some more in this vein about TOWIE, Geordie Shore, Kerry Katona and the like?

Oh Wayne my little cuddle-bumpkins, your neck is so soft.. Ta sweetie chops, I've been putting engine oil on it.

I bet if you put all these the top money players as a team and played against Germany. Germany would win, why because they have discipline and they play as a team not a bunch of individual ego's. Sad but the truth.

Sadly, most of the mental and moral pygmies who will be on view probably get paid more than the Royals. In addition, the only example THEY set is of lascivious behaviour, amorality and dtssolution. I want my national team to win - but I greatly regret the role model they give to the young. When I was young, many years ago, sportsmen were just that - sporting - and in their private lives very little was ever heard. Because they lived to the same standards as the rest of us.Unfortunately more money has led to ever more greed and the result is that the 'working man' can no longer afford to watch his team live, and if he wishes to watch on television he has to pay more there too. I shall be hoping for an England win - but I will not watch.

Come on boys you can do it. Italy first and then Germany. We are all behind you. COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!!

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.



Britain to be spared EU bank tax: European leaders push ahead with plans but drop demands for all nations to be included - Daily Mail

By Tim Shipman

|

Britain will be spared a swingeing new tax on City transactions as European leaders confirmed they will press ahead with plans for a single currency superstate.

Eurozone leaders vowed to plough on with the Robin Hood tax plans alone yesterday as they declared that a Brussels summit next week will be a ‘defining moment’ in EU history.

Nine countries yesterday vowed to impose new taxes on financial deals – which Britain thinks will cripple economic growth – but demands for all 27 EU nations to be included were dropped.

Superstate: From left, Spanish Premier Mariano Rajoy, French President Francois Hollande, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Premier Mario Monti all agreed on making a stronger union

Superstate: From left, Spanish Premier Mariano Rajoy, French President Francois Hollande, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Premier Mario Monti all agreed on making a stronger union

Roundtable: Germany, France, Italy and Spain drew up plans for eurozone countries to invest 100billion to boost growth

Roundtable: Germany, France, Italy and Spain drew up plans for eurozone countries to invest 100billion to boost growth

In a sign that next week’s summit will usher in new measures to set up a eurozone superstate, Germany, France, Italy and Spain all agreed it will lead to a ‘clear medium and long-term vision for greater integration’.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the meeting in Rome: ‘The lesson from the crisis is not less Europe but more Europe.’ Spanish PM Mariana Rajoy said the leaders had agreed on the need for ‘a political, banking and fiscal union’.

Italian prime minister Mario Monti warned that leaders may have just one week to save the euro with Spanish banks teetering on the brink of collapse.

Chancellor George Osborne attended a separate summit to discuss the the financial transactions tax

Chancellor George Osborne attended a separate summit to discuss the the financial transactions tax

He declared that a rescue package was ‘absolutely necessary’ and pledged that concrete measures would be forthcoming next week. ‘We expect the conclusions of the EU summit to be more solid and credible compared with previous summits as far as growth is concerned,’ Mr Monti said.

The Italian premier said that meeting should ‘put at ease the financial markets expectations’, before delivering a pointed message in English: ‘The euro is here to stay and we all mean it.’

Yesterday Germany, France, Italy and Spain drew up plans for eurozone countries to invest 100billion – 1 per cent of their GDP in infrastructure projects to boost growth. But it quickly emerged that the pledge was not backed up by new hard cash.

George Osborne attended a separate summit of EU finance ministers in Luxembourg where nine countries agreed to press ahead with the financial transactions tax.

A Treasury spokesman said: ‘A lot of eurozone countries want to go on their own. That’s up to them but we think it would be damaging.’

Mrs Merkel said: ‘We can imagine introducing a financial transaction tax in our countries’, while French president Francois Hollande confirmed he wanted to introduce the tax ‘as quickly as possible’.

Mrs Merkel continued to resist calls for the eurozone bailout fund to invest money directly in Spanish banks, which many think would resolve the immediate threat.

Asked why Germany would not act to help, she said: ‘There can be no responsibility without control’ – a signal that Mrs Merkel wants effective control of European banks before agreeing to help them.

But the four leaders worked in secret on plans aimed to stop the spread of financial contagion while satisfying German demands that spendthrift countries are made  to be more responsible before they get help.

Fiscal union: George Osborne greets Danish Economy Minister Margrethe Vestager during the European Union finance ministers meeting in Luxembourg

Fiscal union: George Osborne greets Danish Economy Minister Margrethe Vestager during the European Union finance ministers meeting in Luxembourg

Seeing the funny side: Margrethe Vestager and George Osborne share a joke at the meeting

Seeing the funny side: Margrethe Vestager and George Osborne share a joke at the meeting

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

Cameron is a shill for the City of London. Thatcher dreamed of Britain to become a "service industry". Epic fail. Where is your manufacturing ? Britain used to make goods the world wanted to buy, including cars. Now hot air financial products from the City of London to fill the pockets of a few are state of the art what British economy is concerned. Keep them red arrows coming now, I stick with it: Britain needs to go back to producing stuff they can sell worldwide and stop kissing Wall Street's and Obama's behind.

Bankers contribute nothing to the country, all they do is move money around taking a commission every time to finance their obscene profits and bonuses on which they pay little or no tax. Each transaction should be taxed, that way the treasury would get some money from these parasites. That is why Cameron and his posh pals don't want it because they could not avoid the tax with clever accountants as they currently do. Once again it is all about protecting his rich friends - Ian, Perth, Scotland, 23/06/2012 03:06 I think you will find the top 1% pay 30% of all income tax. Then the top 10% pay over 70% of all income tax. We need them alright. Well unless you want to become a third world country!!

It is obvious the EU is failing - we all know about Greece, now Italy and Spain are in trouble too?? How long before they are asking for bailouts? If they do - WHERE THE HELL DOES THE MONEY COME FROM??? If all thes Countries have enough to give the bailouts, why are we all struggling financially??? How many Countries would come to the aid of the UK if we asked for a bailout do you think??

BACK OFF BRUSSELS.....

Once again, the UK gets its way. Now, could you PLEASE hold that referendum and just get out already?

"The lesson from the crisis is not less Europe but more Europe". Dear.God.

Adolf Hitler "Germany will dominate Europe, and England the world outside". Its seems this is becoming true!

France, Germany, Spain and Italy at it again. Again the big countries ganging up, calling the shots and deciding and forcing their views on the smaller countries. So much for 'European solidarity' and the so-called 'European spirit' as well as being an 'equal' EU member....perhaps one day the tables will turn and the big countries will get a taste of their own medicine!

Another win for Dave's Posh Banker Friends.. but was it not them that got us in the mess in the first place.. I can hear Dave's reply as I type.. No the problem was Tony & Gordon's. ... The real problem is that our Bankers Rule us no matter who we elect... When is it going to change.. ???? I don't even think UKIP would sort it out.. So were do we the voters go next ?? - The Flying Pink Pig, The Fat Piggy Feeding Trough, 23/6/2012 9:16 I can only think of we should go to War with the eu.

Wish we could be spared from anything at all to do with the EU. Does anybody know exactly where Europe ends........ I mean do the borders end in Asia,,,,where?

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.



Jimmy Carr's father accuses comic of failing to pay back the money he lent him - Daily Telegraph

[getrss.in: unable to retrieve full-text content]

Jim Carr, who has not spoken to his son for eight years following a bitter family dispute, claims he lent his son hundreds of pounds, paid all his bills and allowed him to live at home rent free, while he was trying to make his way as a stand-up on Britain ...

No comments: