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From wonderkid to father figure – how Ampadu leads Leeds

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At the age of just 24, Ethan Ampadu has led a nomadic career, with four loan destinations that can sometimes become part of being a young footballer at Chelsea.

But last summer was the first post-season in five years where the Wales international didn’t have to pack any bags.

Signed by Leeds United 12 months previously, he helped form the foundations on which Daniel Farke is building their push for automatic promotion, following defeat by Southampton in the play-off final last season.

Beyond Ampadu’s talents and versatility was his growing leadership and dressing room presence, honed over the seven different professional clubs that make up his varied CV.

Ampadu made his professional debut aged 15 years, 10 months and 26 days against Brentford in the EFL Cup for League Two side Exeter City in 2016.

His big transfer to Chelsea came just 12 months later. A series of four loans to RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia each arrived with their own challenges, whether they were culture, language, tactical differences or situation.

Ampadu became the fastest player to 50 Wales caps last year, with former manager Rob Page saying he is a “future captain” for his country.

“I feel like I’ve found a home, and hopefully I can show that in performances and in the way I am as a person. I feel like those things I’ve experienced and lived through, I’ve had to mature quite early”, he told BBC Sport.

“I’ve lived in a few different places, experienced different cultures and see how people conduct themselves in those professional environments.

” Being trusted at 15 to play and perform to get results, I guess that’s one way I’ve had to mature. But also just being around people who are older than me for a large part of my development plays a part in it as well.

“I feel like I can come across as mature because of how I’ve been raised, but I’m sure if you were to ask a few of the boys around the training ground, they’ll probably still say I’m 24”.

Former Wales captains Gareth Bale and Ashley Williams are cited as major influences, as are Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta and former Leeds centre-back Liam Cooper, who was his captain last season.

But his father Kwame Ampadu, a former footballer who coached him at Exeter, is “the first person I look up to”, but “also someone I butt heads with as a player talking to a coach”.

Ethan Ampadu in action for Exeter against Hull during the 2016-17 season when he was just 15 Rex Features

“I’ve got a little boy, so if I can pass on and influence him to become the man that I’d like him to become – and that he wants to become when he’s older – definitely. That’s a really big part of my life at the moment”, he added.

It is rare for Ampadu to conduct a media appearance away from football, but he was offering support to Green Football’s Great Save, donating his first shirt as Leeds captain in a surprise appearance at a charity shop in Ripon in North Yorkshire.

“I feel like it is a time where I can portray my message”, he added. “Even if it’s just to one person, just to be able to influence one person and benefit the environment – that would be really good.

” I’m not an expert and may never be but what I want to show is that I am learning. There’s this figure -100, 000 tons of sportswear end up in landfill every year – so it is about showing how to impact the environment in a positive way. “

Ampadu is currently out with a knee injury but hopes to return in time to help boost Leeds ‘ title push in a fierce automatic promotion battle with Sheffield United and Burnley.

” It’s the run-in, “he said”. There’s three top teams at the minute that are all fighting for the same thing – four, if you want to include Sunderland as well. But for us, we’ve got full confidence in what we can achieve.

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  • Wales Men’s Football Team
  • Championship
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Meghan Markle’s defiant response after Thomas Markle’s scathing review of her Netflix show

Meghan Markle has faced a great deal of criticism following the release of her Netflix lifestyle series – including some harsh words from her estranged father. But she has remained defiant in the wake of Thomas Markle’s review, taking to Instagram to issue a telling message.

Thomas, who is no longer in contact with his daughter, recently shared his critique of With Love, Meghan with the Mail, saying: “Unfortunately Meghan has never been authentic. She has to think about everything. She’s not spontaneous”.

He continued: “Everything she says is pre-planned and rehearsed. It makes me laugh because I know all her looks and expressions. I know when she’s faking it for the cameras. She’s trying so hard to be perfect that she tenses up every time the camera is on her”.

His brutal assessment was one of several disparaging reviews for the eight-part series, but Meghan has risen above the negativity. Taking to her Instagram stories, she posted videos made by her viewers as they followed the recipes shown in the show.

Meghan wrote: “Love seeing how inspired you are by With Love, Meghan. Keep up the beautiful work”! The first season of With Love, Meghan dropped on Netflix on Tuesday last week.

And on Friday, the streaming service revealed that – despite being panned by critics – the show has already been renewed for a second season. It was further confirmed that episodes for the follow-up series have already been taped, and will be available to watch later this year.

Netflix announced the news via its TuDum website, saying, “Don’t put away your flower sprinkles just yet—With Love, Meghan will be back for Season 2”. Tellingly, the announcement added, “And now, there’s more joy to be shared as With Love, Meghan returns later this fall. The second season has completed filming”.

It means that Netflix planned to release a second season of the show whether it performed well both in terms of critical response and streaming consumption. The show has been widely slammed by TV fans who have branded it “bland” and it has been panned by critics.

The season two announcement added: “For those looking to try some of Meghan and her guests ‘ favorite recipes and crafts at home, check out our collection of some of the show’s how-tos. Plus, now you can use products personally developed by Meghan for her lifestyle brand, As ever. Launching this spring, it showcases a collection of items like the aforementioned flower sprinkles, teas, and baking mixes that will change seasonally”.

And Meghan herself has promoted the new season via her Instagram page. Posing in a cap with the words “Lettuce, romaine, calm”, written across the front and “With Love, Meghan, Season 2” on the back. She added a caption stating: “Lettuce remain calm… or not (!) because I’m thrilled to share that Season 2 of With Love, Meghan is coming”!

Man Utd plan to build ‘iconic’ £2bn 100,000-capacity stadium

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Manchester United have announced plans to build the biggest stadium in the UK – an “iconic” new £2bn 100, 000-seater ground close to Old Trafford.

Once construction is complete, the club’s existing home will be demolished.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said he wanted to build the “world’s greatest football stadium”, which the club hopes could be finished in five years.

United’s announcement comes after an extensive consultation process around whether to develop the existing stadium or build a new one.

Old Trafford has been Manchester United’s home since 1910.

The club would continue to play at Old Trafford until the new stadium was ready.

Senior club sources have previously said it would not be cost effective to shrink it for use as a home for United’s women’s and youth teams.

Architects at Foster and Partners, who will design the project, said the new stadium would feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza that is “twice the size of Trafalgar Square”.

Manchester United, currently £1bn in debt, are yet to say how they plan to pay for the stadium. Club chief executive Omar Berrada said he was confident it was “a very attractive investment opportunity” and he was “quite confident we’ll find a way to finance the stadium”.

It will form part of a wider regeneration of the Old Trafford area, predicted to be the biggest such project in the United Kingdom since the transformation of the Stratford area that accompanied the 2012 Olympics in London. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already given government backing to the plans.

United say the entire project has the potential to create 92, 000 new jobs, will involve the construction of 17, 000 homes and bring an additional 1.8 million visitors to the area annually. They add the project will be worth an additional £7.3bn per year to the UK economy.

“Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest stadium”, said Ratcliffe.

“Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years but it has fallen behind the arenas in world sport.

” I think we may well finish up with the most iconic football stadium in the world. “

He said there was no date in place for when building work on the stadium would begin, adding:” It depends how quickly the Government gets going with the regeneration programme. I think they want to get going quite quickly. “

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Criticism of Old Trafford – England’s biggest club ground with a 74, 140 capacity – has grown in recent years, with issues including leaks from the roof of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.

The stadium has not had significant development since 2006.

United have spoken to senior people involved in the most recent large-scale stadium developments, including the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and the rebuild of Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium, as part of their background work.

They also spoke to local residents and conducted a fan survey to establish whether supporters would prefer a new build or extensive improvements to the present stadium, which was thought likely to cost £1.5bn.

‘ Club must be brave ‘ – Ferguson

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Leaving Old Trafford will be a controversial move for some but former manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: ” Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does, on and off the pitch, and that includes the stadium we play in.

“Old Trafford holds so many memories for me personally but we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future, where history can be made”.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham welcomed the plans. He said: “If we get this right, the regeneration impact could be bigger and better than London 2012.

” Manchester United could, and indeed should, have the best football stadium in the world.

“To me, that means a stadium that means a stadium that is true to the traditions of the club, affordable to all, with nobody priced out”.

‘ Fans remain anxious ‘

The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) says it has plenty of questions around the planned stadium.

It wants to know how the club will pay for the ground but says the stadium news “could be very exciting”.

MUST says: “Whilst investment is much-needed and welcome, fans remain anxious about what it means and what the consequences will be.

” Will it drive up ticket prices and force out local fans? Will it harm the atmosphere, which is consistently fans ‘ top priority in the ground?

The world’s biggest stadiums

Barcelona are renovating their Nou Camp home which had a planned capacity of 105, 000 when work began. It was already the largest stadium in Europe with a capacity of 99, 354.

There are several college stadiums in the United States which hold more than 100, 000 people while the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, holds up to 132, 000.

North Korea has a stadium with a claimed capacity of 150, 000 which is often cited as the largest sporting arena in the world. However, the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is rarely used and a smaller capacity figure is also widely reported.

United played at the largest stadium in the US during a pre-season tour in 2014 where 109, 318 saw them beat Real Madrid in Michigan.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s very awkward snub at royal event that left him in ‘tears’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were left feeling ‘ sensitive and emotional ‘ after a snub by the royal family as they made their final appearance with the Firm.

The Sussexes announced they were quitting royal life in January 2020 – and on 9 March they stepped out for the last time with the Queen, then-Prince Charles, Prince William and Princess Kate at the Commonwealth Day service in Westminster Abbey.

Prior to the ceremony, 2, 000 orders of service were distributed detailing that William and Kate would enter the Abbey with the main royals – but, there was absolutely no mention of Meghan and Harry. It was something that the couple were “quite sensitive and emotional about”, according to the Daily Mail.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sat behind Prince William and Kate Middleton at the 2020 Commonwealth service
Onlookers said Harry looked increasingly ‘ gloomy ‘ throughout the service (PA)

Expanding further on the situation, royal author and historian Robert Lacey wrote: “Observers also noted that Harry’s face was ‘ quite tense and unsmiling ‘ – and that when William sat down close to him, he barely greeted his brother.

” Throughout the service, Meghan megawatted away with her best TV smile but, as the ceremony progressed, Harry appeared to grow gloomier. According to one observer, ‘ his accelerated blinking even suggested he might have been fighting back tears’. “

Of course, Harry and Meghan have since set up home in California and are all but estranged from the rest of the family. The royals, meanwhile, put on a united front on Monday as they came together once again for the 2025 Commonwealth Day service. Princess Kate turned heads in a striking red Catherine Walker coat and a hat by Gina Foster – and was seen having a sweet exchange with her husband after taking their seats inside the Abbey.

Prince William and Kate Middleton laughing together inside Westminster Abbey at the 2025 Commonwealth service
The couple were seen having a sweet and playful exchange inside the Abbey (PA)

It was a poignant outing for both Kate and the King. Both were forced to miss last year’s service having both been diagnosed with cancer, and they looked delighted to be able to attend on Monday to honour the 56 nations of the Commonwealth.

Body language expert Judi James noted how happy the Prince and Princess were in each other’s company at the event, telling the Mirror that one moment in particular revealed William’s ‘ bashful crush ‘ on his wife. She explained:” William and Kate made the body language transition from ‘ unison ‘ behaviours to mirrored, ‘ free movement ‘ behaviours at this formal royal event.

“Since Kate’s illness, they have been extra tactile and totally connected during their public appearances, using every opportunity to use touches, glances or mimed hugs to move together coupled up like ice skaters or ballroom dancers.

” But here they performed the equivalent of ‘ free ‘ movement, putting in their professional appearance in a more traditionally regal way but moving while apart in synchronised, mirrored unity as they did so.

“What this showed was a more relaxed approach with no need to check or employ tie-signs. It appeared to signal they were both on strong, repaired form for this event, keeping their signals of utter fondness to a minimum while still keeping totally in sync.

” They walked in together but slightly apart with signs of renewed energy and positivity. William’s beaming smile projected ongoing pride in his wife but he avoided all the steering pats and touches that can imply she has some need of support and encouragement.

“When they did connect as they do here, sitting together, William’s body-scrunched pose and his very youthful smile with eye crinkling and a peek of the front teeth through his lips in response to Kate’s lean and playful smile suggests a bit of a bashful crush is still going on in their relationship”.

Where are Michael Jackson’s kids now as they make ultra rare public appearance

The kids of late pop icon Michael Jackson made a rare public appearance last week, with Paris stepping out at Paris Fashion Week and Prince at the new opening of MJ the Musical.

The duo of Prince, 28, and Bigi, 23, often shy away from the limelight despite having such a famous family. Paris, 26, meanwhile has forged a more public role. But it’s clear a lot has change over the years since MJ’s death.

The superstar’s shock death in 2009 caused ripples around the globe. He died aged 50 of a cardiac arrest, just three weeks before he was set to take the stage with an ambitious 50 date This Is It Tour. Following his death, speculation has been rife surrounding the star. However, his kids have on occasion tried to defend their father’s reputation.

A family friend previously claimed the trio live their lives as though he’s looking over them and want to do whatever it takes to make him proud.

Here is what Prince, Paris and Blanket are up to now following their surprise appearance in the French captial

Prince Jackson

Prince Jackson attends the Sydney Opening Night Of MJ The Musical at Lyric Theatre, Star City on March 8 (Getty Images)
Prince in 2022
Prince in 2022 (Getty Images)

Prince was just 12 years old when his dad passed. His mother is Michael’s second wife, Debbie Rowe. Like his brother Bigi, Prince usually steers clear of public attention. However, on March 8 he showed up looking ultra stylish at the opening night of the show that is celebrating his dad’s life and music. Prince was in Sydney for the first showing of MJ the Musical, and wore a blu pinstriped suit and lavender tie.

It marked his first public appearance since December, when he was in Los Angeles for his Heal LA Organisation’s annual Christmas toy shopping spree for underprivileged children. Prior to that, his last red carpet appearance came a year ago in March 2024. Then, he once again showed his support towards his dad by attending the opening night of MJ at London’s West End. He was joined by his two younger siblings on that occasion.

In 2016, Prince launched his own production company King’s Son Productions in 2016. The official website for the company describes: “King’s Son Productions envisions, produces, shoots, edits, and creates high quality visuals ranging from cinematic music videos and short films to feature-length films and beyond”. The Instagram page hasn’t posted in a number of years.

Paris Jackson

 Paris Jackson at the Vivienne Westwood Fall RTW 2025 on March 8
Paris Jackson at the Vivienne Westwood Fall RTW 2025 on March 8 (WWD via Getty Images)
 Paris Jackson and  Prince Jackson in 2022
Paris Jackson and Prince Jackson in 2022 (Getty Images for Harold & Carole Pump Foundation)

Paris is definitely the child of the singer who is best known in the public eye. She was 11 at the time of her dad’s death. Recently, she caused controversy at Paris Fashion Week with her see-through outfit. However, she hit back at criticism, and told her followers: “I don’t really understand why the human body is a driving force for discomfort in so many people. Like, i’s just a body. It’s just a body on a human which is an animal. We look at other naked animals all the time”.

The middle of Jackson’s children became something of an ‘ It girl’, landing acting gigs and modelling contracts. She starred in productions such as Sex Appeal in 2022 and Swarm in 2023, while also playing a part in American Horror Stories. She also tried her hand at being a musician. In 2020, she told L’Officiel Italia: “Music is like the air I breathe — it is awareness, it is being able to create something bigger than me and it is a way to express myself and externalise what I feel inside”.

However, despite her success, Paris has been open about her struggles. In a 2017 chat with Rolling Stone magazine, Paris recalled her lowest moment. She said: “It was just self-hatred, low self-esteem, thinking that I couldn’t do anything right, not thinking I was worthy of living anymore”.

And as well as her battles with anxiety and depression, Paris admitted at the time she is still struggling to deal with her dad’s shock death She said of her grief: “They always say, ‘ Time heals. ‘ But it really doesn’t. You just get used to it. I live life with the mentality of ‘ OK, I lost the only thing that has ever been important to me. So going forward, anything bad that happens can’t be nearly as bad as what happened before. So I can handle it”.

Prince revealed in 2017 that Paris is the one most like their father. “Basically, as a person, she is who my dad is”, he told Rolling Stone. The activist also is a champion for many causes, including being an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Blanket Jackson

Bigi in 2022
Bigi in 2022 (Getty Images)
The siblings have been in the spotlight all their lives
The siblings have been in the spotlight all their lives (Getty Images)

Michael Jackson’s youngest son Bigi mainly keeps his life out of the public eye. The 23-year-old made headlines as a baby when his dad dangled him over a hotel balcony. However, the singer’s youngest child has managed to keep a fairly low profile over the years since his dad’s death. Previously, a family friend claimed of all Jackson’s children Blanket had the most problems adjusting after his death. “He acted very lost and extremely upset”, a source told People magazine at the time.

Blanket – whose real name is Prince Michael Jackson II – changed his name from Blanket to Bigi in 2015 after reports of bullying. Despite Prince claiming Paris was most like their late dad, Blanket’s grandfather Joe wrote on his website about Blanket: “You are like your father in so many ways, and you remind me most of him”.

In a 2012 interview for the Jacksonology: Our Story documentary, Bigi explained instead that he had dreams of being a director. He said: “Sometimes I would go in]Michael’s] room while he was getting ready for something and watch. He was a good dancer, he was a very good dancer. I can’t dance or sing, I’m not that kind of person who sings and dances.

” When I grow up I want to be a director because it’s fun, and I make little movies when I’m at my house with cousins and friends and different things. ]Michael] said it would be a good thing, so follow whatever you want to do. “

Previous claims by friends said the youngest of the trio likes taking part in martial arts and playing video games.

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Celtic given three stands for possible title-clincher at St Johnstone

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Celtic supporters will be housed in three of the four stands at McDiarmid Park when the Scottish Premiership leaders visit St Johnstone on 6 April, the Perth club have announced.

Should Brendan Rodgers ‘ side win their next two games at home to Rangers and Hearts, they can clinch the title with victory away to Saints, whose fans will be accommodated exclusively in the Geoff Brown Stand against Celtic.

“The 6 April Celtic match has the potential for unique issues”, St Johnstone said in a statement.

“There is increased interest in this game and there is legitimate concern that Celtic supporters could obtain tickets in home fan areas, creating additional safety issues. We believe it is thus prudent to consolidate our support in the Geoff Brown Stand.

” We always strive to create the best possible home advantage for our team but, in addition to the safety of our fans, we must also consider the financial realities that come with operating as a sustainable football club.

“Substantial additional revenue will be earned from allowing Celtic fans to fill the East Stand, revenue that will benefit our player budget for next season.

” As a result, and following lengthy discussions, we can confirm that away supporters will be allocated the East Stand, North Stand and Ormond Stand. As there are accessible seating areas in the East Stand, we will not be required to sell tickets to away fans in the Geoff Brown Stand. “

The Perth club added that East Stand season ticket holders” will be offered similar, and to the greatest extent possible, upgraded seats in the Geoff Brown Stand”.

St Johnstone also say the approach adopted for the Celtic game” is not a definitive position going forward and will form part of our test and learn process”.

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