Tiny Shaun Wright Phillips shows off his new big car..a £200,000 Rolls Royce Ghost

If anyone needed any more proof that our Premiership footballers get paid far too much money, then Shaun Wright Phillips has just provided it.

The Manchester City striker today showed off his latest purchase as he arrived for training in his shiny new car.

And the 28-year-old couldn't contain his smug grin as he pulled into the Carrington complex in the £200,000 Rolls Royce Ghost.

But what onlookers found even funnier was the sight of the pint-sized star peering over the top of the steering wheel, the car clearly too big for the 5ft 5in winger.

The shiny black vehicle swamped the footballer who looked really tiny in the front seat.

So surely something smaller could have easily sufficed and had less of a dent on his pay packet - although he probably wouldn't have even noticed.

He was the first owner of the 2008 BMW 3 Series M Sport convertible, which  is powered by a 218bhp 3-litre engine and sold at the time for £40,670 – plus £5310 of options.

Before that, he was also lucky enough to be the first owner of the was the 2002 Range Rover Vogu.

It cost him £70,000 and he added a PlayStation 2, two DVD screens and a fold down TV, a sub-woofer and a set of 20-inch alloy wheels which cost an additional £1,495.

Other features included £2,700 leather seats, sat-nav, heated windscreen, bi-xenon headlights, parking sensors and a six-CD Harmon Kardon sound system.

His £60,000 a week wage does seems like an obscene amount of money, especially as Shaun has struggled to start the season with the Northern club, which is currently fourth in the Premier League and has only scored once for them since the season began.

Mourinho dislikes Pedro Leon! He blows top over Pedro Leon questions

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho lost his rag with reporters querying the absence of Pedro Leon for their Champions League tie with Auxerre.

Leon impressed as a second-half substitute against Levante and Spanish media had speculated the summer signing from Getafe could start against Auxerre.

The 23-year-old did not even make the 20-man travelling party, though, leading to several questions during tonight's press conference - something Mourinho took a dim view of.

Clearly unimpressed at being pushed on the exclusion of Leon, Mourinho answered a third and final question on the subject before promptly leaving the press conference.

"I don't have to justify his absence. If the president (Florentino Perez) asks me, I'll tell him, but he hasn't asked me. You talk of Pedro Leon as if he was Zidane or Maradona or Di Stefano, he's a player who not long ago was playing at Getafe," said Mourinho.

"He's not called up for one game and it seems like you are talking about a great player. When he works how I want him to, he will play, and when he doesn't, it will be harder for him to play.

"I've already said Benzema will play, why not ask me what other 10 will play alongside him? That should be your first question but you ask about Pedro Leon."

Nicklas Bendtner and partner show their love for all to see on the cover of Elle magazine

They had already announced they were engaged to be married with a baby on the way. Now Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner and his Danish socialite partner Caroline Luel-Brockdorff are displaying their love for all to see.

The Danish footballer, 22, who plays for his national team too, announced in July that he was expecting his first child with Luel-Brockdorff, 35 - now they're posing together on the cover of Denmark's Elle magazine.

However, they're no ordinary football player and WAG - not only is there the 13 year age gap, but Luel-Brockdorff has roughly £400m in her bank account.

So it's safe to say she isn't after his money.

The interview in the forthcoming October edition of the magazine is their first together and the cover says it's 'everything you didn't know' about the couple and they'll be talking about 'pregnancy, their careers and love.'

Caroline was previously married to multi-millionaire Rory Fleming, son of James Bond creator Ian, with whom she has two children - Alexander, seven, and Josephine, four - whom Caroline lives with in London.

However, even before the divorce, she was wealthy in her own right, being a member of the Danish royal family and even owning her own castle.

It was while renovating the stately pile for Danish TV that she met Bendtner, who'd gone there for a photoshoot.

The pair started seeing each other towards the end of last year and Nicklas announced in July that he was going to be a father for the first time on his official website, gushing: 'This is one of the greatest days of my life!'

Nicklas, who earns £2.5million a year at the Gunners, added: 'I'm to become a father - have just seen our baby on a scan and can't wait to the day my fiancée give birth.

'We are indescribably happy and look forward to see our baby for the first time.'

However, the footballer has said of his love for Caroline: 'Money is not an issue. If we had no money I would still be as happy with her.

'It’s the same with everyone in my life. Money isn’t important. All it does is get you things.

'It’s fair to say my life has changed though. In the last year and a half I feel I’ve grown up a lot. I still have fun but I don’t go out so much anymore.

'Before I would go out quite a bit, do the things that all young guys do. But now I have found someone who is really special, who I love.'

It's lucky that he's got a relationship to keep him occupied, as he's been out of action so far this season due to a recurring groin injury.

Mourinho shoots down Casillas's request and Raul was paid €14 to leave Real Madrid

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has attempted to have coach Jose Mourinho change his training schedule - without success.

Marca says the latest in a long line of failed requests from Casillas was to change the time of the morning training from 10am to 11am. Casillas argued that it would give players with young children the chance to drop them off at school before carrying onto Valdebebas.

However, it was pointed out that only two players - Ricardo Carvalho and Jerzy Dudek - have children of school age and Mourinho quickly knocked the idea on its head.

Despite his struggles at Schalke, Real Madrid legend Raul is still laughing all the way to the bank.

Raul has come in for heavy criticism as Schalke has struggled for form in the opening weeks of the Bundesliga.

However, ABC says one bright note for Raul is the staggering €14 million pay-off he received from Real for leaving the club with over a year still to run on his contract.

France and Spain want to cap Enzo Zidane, but will he be as good as his dad?

Zinedine Zidane says son Enzo Zidane has not made a decision on which country he intends to play for. Both France and Spain have announced they want to cap the Real Madrid attacking midfielder.

But Zizou says: "Nothing has been decided. To date, Enzo has not yet been selected by Spain nor France. And I think it's better that way.

"It is true, in terms of gestures, when I look at him, I see myself."

Ziatan Ibrahimovic's wife..older than him by 10 years! I repeat..10 years...

Helena Seger is one hot Swede who has one of the best strikers in the Serie A but still has done well to stay clear of the limelight.

She’s has an economics degree and she’s been the marketing manager for Swatch and FlyMe. Helena met Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2002 at a party. They have two sons now.

It is said that when Ibrahimovic first moved to Italy, the Italian women would sleep in the car park of his hotel to get a peek of his brunette tresses.

In his interview with Swedish paper Aftonbladet, Zlatan spoke at length about Helena for the first time:

Reporter: "The women I know are all impressed with the fact that you're living with Helena Seger, a woman more than 10 years your senior and an independent woman with her own career."
Zlatan: "Haha, they're impressed with her for standing me, you mean? At this point we've known each other for about 7-8 years, that's quite some time. It's felt right all along.

She's gotten to know me, she understands what I'm about. I've gotten to know her, I understand what she's about. And she isn't phased by my job, she knows I'll have to stay away a lot. She knows how it works.

We talk a lot. She'll tell me her ideas on all these issues. She's so fucking smart, she's so intelligent. I don't mean to brag about her, but she just is. And she's wicked in the kitchen. Okay, I'll brag about that."

R: "What does she cook?"
Z: "Anything. We'll search for a recipe online and then she'll just do it, and it's always fantastic."

R: "So you cook together, is that your thing?"
Z: "No, I don't have the skills. But Maxi is learning. The little one hasn't quite gotten to that point yet."

R: "How did you meet Helena?"
Z: "We met in Malmö. I saw her once, out on the town, during the day. I kept trying to get in touch with her, and then finally I got her number. And then it sort of escalated. We started living together when I moved to Turin." 

Cheryl's divorce done in 60 seconds!

Cheryl's divorce was over in 60 seconds - and she revealed cheating Ashley's womanising was still going on.

The Geordie beauty won a quickie divorce on the grounds of the soccer star's admitted "unreasonable behaviour" and that the marriage had "irretrievably broken down".

Asked in court papers if Ashley's behaviour was continuing, Cheryl answered "Yes".

Judge Christopher Simmonds said: "Cheryl Cole cannot reasonably be expected to live with Ashley Cole."

The Chelsea and England defender has scored with a string of girls, including lapdancer Sarah Purnell, since he and Cheryl split in February.

The Girls Aloud singer replied "No" in her sworn statement on July 28 - made public yesterday - when asked if she had shared a bedroom or meal with Ashley since she filed for divorce in May.

Asked if the split affected her health, Cheryl left a blank space.

Cheryl, who is in the US, and Ashley were not present for the London hearing when District Judge Simmonds rubber-stamped their divorce.

Ashley - who must stump up the £1,500 court costs - was in the England side that played Bulgaria in a Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley. 

The end of the marriage at the High Court's Family Division was a far cry from the couple's lavish country house wedding in 2006.

They now have a six-week cooling off period before a decree absolute is granted.

Cheryl had said she did not want money from Cole. But she can expect up to £4.5million after the sale of assets and property, including their Surrey mansion.

The extent of Ashley's serial cheating emerged after The Sun revealed in January 2008 that he bedded hairdresser Aimee Walton.

Tevez's brother jailed 16 years for armed robbery and he even tried to blame Tevez for that crime.

Manchester City superstar Carlos Tevez's brother has been jailed for 16 years for masterminding an armed robbery.

The footballer's brother-in-law was also sent to prison for his part in the raid in which the pair wore police uniforms to target a bank security van.

Juan Alberto Martinez, 31, was arrested and tried to blame the raid on his Premiership footballer half-brother who he claimed had used a mobile connected to the crime.

Martinez and brother-in-law Carlos Avalos Veron brandished automatic rifles but then ran-off empty-handed during the botched robbery in Cordoba, Argentina.

The former-Manchester United striker was used as an alibi by Martinez because he was visiting Argentina at the time of the June 2008 crime, just weeks after he won the Champions League and Premiership double with the club.

The Sun today reported that Martinez used Tevez's nickname Pitbull in telephone calls taped by police.

He also claimed to have been staying at Tevez's home in Cordoba, but further investigation showed the house was uninhabitable and Tevez was at a concert when the raid occurred.

Veron, who was also sentenced to 16 years, admitted his part in the robbery, while a third man was acquitted.

Guess who's the FIRST person who texted Beckham after his injury last season? Sir Alex? - No

David Beckham has revealed how Jose Mourinho was the first to contact him when he broke down last season.

The England ace made his comeback for LA Galaxy over the weekend having suffered a serious Achilles injury on-loan with AC Milan last season.

He revealed: "Do you know the first person I had a 'stay positive' message from was Jose Mourinho.

"The morning I woke up after the injury, that was the first message I got.

"And there were so many other well wishers... so many people that I want to thank - managers, players, family and friends."

How Van Der Vaart will fit in at Tottenham?

Harry Redknapp managed to squeeze through the deadline-day deal just in time, and few would argue that at £8.7 million, Rafael Van Der Vaart was difficult to turn down.

Redknapp's tactics on the pitch might have been called into question on several occasions. No so, his transfer dealings. Transfer market moves for Peter Crouch, Younes Kabul and more recently William Gallas have proved to be particularly shrewd, as has luring Jermain Defoe back to White Hart Lane.

The general consensus among Tottenham fans is that the club sorely needed a striker, not another name to clog up a already bursting crop of talented midfielders.

But could Van Der Vaart nonetheless prove to be another stroke of Redknapp transfer market genius? Or will he just unnecessarily unbalance the Spurs squad?

How the Dutchman will fit in at White Hart Lane.

Playing strengths

Van Der Vaart is a creative player, who revels in the playmaker role just behind the strikers.

He is a highly skilled player, who can decide the game with a moment of genius. He can set up as well as score goals – finding the net 11 times in 68 games for Real Madrid and providing nine assists. He is also a free-kick specialist.

Most importantly for Redknapp, and in all probability a huge factor in his decision to snap up the Dutchman, is his versatility.

Van Der Vaart can play on the left wing if needed, and this flexibility could be priceless to Redknapp as he bids to challenge on the domestic and European fronts.

Playing weaknesses

Van Der Vaart is not physical player, and this shortcoming could be exposed more in the Premiership, rather than in the Champions league.

He doesn't have the strength or work ethic of other top attacking midfielders, and could get found out, particularly in the frenetic  Premier League.

He will certainly need to improve on the physical side to his game, or he will quickly lose the at-times fickle Spurs fans.

He lacks pace and is also very one footed - his reluctance to use his right foot is a major flaw in his game.

Essential experience

Van Der Vaart is seasoned international. He has scored 16 goals in 83 international caps  - not a bad return for a midfielder. He also has vital Champions League experience, something few Tottenham players can boast.

And in European competition, experience is not to be scoffed at, with naiveté so often proving to be the undoing of talented teams, particularly away from home (remember Manchester United's nightmare in Istanbul all those years ago?)

Tottenham nearly found this out the hard way at Young Boys Bern in the Champions League playoff. It was Spurs who looked like the boys, and they were lucky to avoid a hammering. Much of this was down to the midfield, which at times appeared clueless against their pressing and dynamic counterparts, and seemed to lack cohesion and positional sense.

Tottenham won't be so lucky in a tough Champions League group including Inter Milan , Werder Bremen and FC Twente Enschede , and an experienced head in the middle might just be what Spurs need.

Tactical compatibility

Redknapp has been renowned for rotating his midfield at Tottenham – and has so far just about managed to keep everyone happy. Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon appear to currently be sure starters on the flanks, and Redknapp will be reluctant to drop the stylish Hoddle-esque Tom Huddlestone after he was conspicuously absent for most of the first half in Switzerland.

With Luka Modric out until late October, on the face of things, the battling- but-careless-in-possession Wilson Palacois, Niko Kranjcar and now Van Der Vaart will be vying for that fourth midfield spot.

Nevertheless, this could be where Van Der Vaart's versatility comes into the equation.

Particularly in European away games, Redknapp may choose to play Van Der Vaart as a support striker, behind Jermain Defoe or Peter Crouch. The Dutchman could slot into the midfield when Spurs lose possession to ensure Redknapp's men aren't outnumbered there, and he could provide a vital link between the midfield and the front man when Tottenham have the ball.

In home games, Redknapp could choose to give Van Der Vaart a free role behind two strikers, and dispense with one of the midfielders– most likely Palacios. From there he would be difficult to pick up and could complete a dangerous attack, which could potentially be devastating when Bale and Lennon are surging forward.

On the other hand, Redknapp could choose to use Van Der Vaart on the left of midfield. This will push Bale to left-back, probably at the expense of Benoit Assou-Ekotto . And Van Der Vaart's tendency to cut inside could pull opponents out of position and free up space for Bale to work his magic.

Defensively though, this could leave the left a little exposed, and is something Redknapp is no doubt thinking about.

Modric's return could complicate things even further, as he is most similar to Van Der Vaart in terms of his primary and secondary playing positions.

Redknapp will have to use all his player juggling and man management skills to keep everyone happy.

However, in a grueling season with expected  injuries and suspensions, the midfield competition may prove to be a "good problem" for the Spurs boss.

Verdict

If Van Der Vaart introduces a bit of toughness to his game, he will prove to be a top acquisition for Spurs.

And the 27-year-old could be an outside bet for the Premiership's top scoring midfielder.

However, don’t be surprised if his arrival unsettles some Spurs players – notably Palacios and Kranjcar – and they start looking for January moves.

 

Real Madrid excited by the progress of Enzo Zidane. Guess whose son is that? =p

Real Madrid management are excited by the progress of 15 year-old Enzo Zidane.

Enzo is the son of Real legend Zinedine Zidane and has been promoted to the club's Cadete setup this season.

Like his Dad, Enzo wears the No10 and plays as an attacking midfielder.

Real GM Jorge Valdano said of Enzo: "The kid is just like his Dad in many ways ..."

Rooney texted Coleen to confess about his affair. He dare not to call?

England footie ace Wayne Rooney flew out to Switzerland today after begging wife Coleen to forgive him for romping with a £ 1,200 -a-night hooker.

The love rat joined his England colleagues on the morning flight from Luton Airport.

He knows he has a heavy price to pay after tearful calls to his wife yesterday over threesomes with Jenny Thompson, 21, when Coleen was pregnant.

Coleen, 24, stormed off to her mum's as shamed Roo, 24, told pals: "My life's in ruins. I'll do anything to make my marriage work."

And the cheating Manchester United star, who has been included in England's squad to face Switzerland tomorrow, has been branded an "utter disgrace" over his romps with the hooker - by his own family.

Coleen had backed her hubby after a string of earlier episodes.

But this time pals fear he has "pushed her over the edge" and she will launch multi-million-pound proceedings to end their two-year marriage.

Last night, a source close to the Rooneys said: "She's worried that this could be just the tip of the iceberg - and that more escort girls will come forward."

The star made a series of calls to Coleen, mum to his ten-month-old son Kai, and promised to get help for his fixation with prostitutes.

He told pals: "My life is in ruins. I will do anything to make my marriage work - and I mean anything."

Rooney was yesterday holed up in a hotel with the England squad before flying to Switzerland for tomorrow's Euro 2012 qualifier.

But England manager Fabio Capello has some concerns about his mental state.

Rooney joined a training session with team-mates but was smuggled past the media and fans.

Jenny - the Fourth vice girl with whom Rooney is known to have had sex - recalled how she repeatedly bedded him between June and September last year after first meeting him at a Manchester casino as he drank with team-mates.

The Rooneys' advisers yesterday insisted they were "not discussing" the bombshell revelations - but Rooney is now facing a monumental battle to save his marriage and lucrative advertising deals.

Humiliated Coleen was being comforted by her parents Tony and Colette at their home in Huyton, Liverpool, as she came to terms with her husband's betrayal. A source said: "She's so upset and doesn't know what to think.

"The last thing she wants is more and more women coming out of the woodwork like poor Cheryl Cole had to endure."

A friend, who did not want to be named, claimed Coleen learned the devastating news just the day before it hit the headlines - in a text from her man.

The pal said: "Coleen and Wayne were supposed to attend a family christening this weekend but they didn't show up.

"We found out Coleen had been getting her hair done on Saturday when Wayne texted her to break the news. He's a coward for hiding behind a text message, especially when they'd been together earlier that day."

Last night a security guard was posted outside Tony and Colette's home. He said: "The family are not speaking, please don't knock on the door." Another guard was deployed at Wayne and Coleen's £4million property in Prestbury.

Meanwhile hooker Jenny's relatives revealed she had vanished from the family's £400,000 detached home in Heaton, Bolton.

Her gran, who declined to be named but said she was housekeeping for Jenny's parents Hamish and Dana as they holidayed in Portugal, said the Rooney revelations had rocked the family.

She said: "When she was mixed up with him, her parents didn't want her to be involved with him. They were very angry. Then she said she had finished with him."

Jenny's younger brother Max said: "I have not seen her. She has not been here for a couple of months now - not to do with this, but to do with something else.

"I don't keep in contact with her. I don't even know if she's in Bolton. The last I heard she was in Spain. It's nothing to do with Rooney, she left way before that."

Last night another source close to the family said: "Her parents are very upset about this and Jenny has been crying non-stop. She feels like she's been disowned."