#Alex celebrating his new contract

[leclercskiesahead]

That was such a good race. The battle for the lead between the two Pramacs and Bagnaia. Alex Marquez quietly putting himself into the podiums places without much drama. Marc Marquez blazing from 13th to second with very much drama indeed. The battle between Marc-Franky-Bastianini that went on for several laps and even had that contact and damage to Marc. Jorge crashing at the end just for the drama.

[vivwritesfics]

Padawan Learner

Mrs Vettel, ex Williams driver, current McLaren driver, can't drive while pregnant. Although she's contracted until 2026, she can't drive while she's with child. But she can't stay away from racing, and can't help but take the Williams rookie under her wing.

Sebastian Vettel x Reader, (Platonic) Logan Sargeant x Reader

Warnings: Brief description of smut

She wasn't supposed to retire at the same time as her husband. He felt as if he was at the end of his career and there was nothing more he could offer to the sport, so he retired. He'd had his glory years in Red Bull, moved to Ferrari, every racers dream, and ended things in Aston Martin, alongside his wife's old teammate.

She still had more race left in her. She'd been with Williams for years, racing alongside Valteri Bottas, Lance Stroll, George Russell, and, later, Alex Albon. But then she moved to McLaren, a team she felt would help her fight for wins.

Her husband very thoroughly celebrated the beginning of his retirement. She found herself stuffed full of cum almost every day of winter break.

It shouldn't have been a surprise when they got pregnant. But she wanted to murder Sebastian. For all of five seconds she wanted to drown him in their pool. But, after that five seconds passed, she was overjoyed, wrapping her arms around Sebastians neck and pulling him in for a kiss.

She told McLaren and they pulled Oscar Piastri in for the year. That was how he got his first drive in F1. All because Sebastian Vettel was incredibly horny, but he didn't need to know this.

She might not have been able to drive, but she still wanted to be trackside whenever she could. Her old team gave her this opportunity. She didn't hang around the McLaren garage, as she had half expected.

No, it was Williams and the new team Principle, James Vowles, who gave her somewhere to be during the season. Even in preseason testing, she was there, watching the Williams.

It was great to be in the garage with Lily again. She'd always liked Lily, thought she was great for Alex when they first met. After her move to McLaren she rarely got to see Lily, and as much as she hated sitting in the garage, it was nice to be sat in the garage with her.

Alex was a great driver. Any advice a veteran like her could have offered him, he already knew.

But then there was his teammate.

She watched Logan from his very first race weekend. She had known about the rookie for a couple of years now and had watched him succeed in Formula Two.

But now, in the Williams tractor, he was struggling. Week after week after week he was finishing outside of the points, or he wasn't finishing at all. She really felt for him.

"Hey," she said after the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Logan hadn't spoken to anybody since he got out of the car and did all that he needed to do. Clearly he was struggling. He didn't say anything, just looked up.

She stood beside him. At her stage of pregnancy she could have gotten down to the floor to sit with him, but she wouldn't have been able to get up without help. Her hand rested on her bump as she looked down at him.

"I still remember my first season in Formula One," she said as she looked at the retired car. "It was 2013 and Seb was set to win the championship. I was in my first year in Williams and I think I only finished maybe ten races," she said with a laugh.

"Wait, seriously?" Asked Logan as he looked up.

She nodded her head. "I crashed out of most, or the car fell apart on me. Most people wondered why I had a seat for the next year, but Williams saw potential in me. I know they see it in you, too."

Every time Logan didn't finish a race, every time he came dead last, she was there. Nobody could comfort her like she did. Sometimes Seb joked that they might as well adopt him, and Logan agreed. Most up and down paddock called Logan her padawan learner, which was very fitting.

Logan began being the person she spent the most time with when Sebastian wasn't there. He'd looked up to her for many years and having her support meant the world to him. He was there for her too, making sure she had somewhere to sit and something to drink whenever she needed it.

In September, a month before her due date, Sebastian begged her to stop travelling. Just in case he wanted her home with him, where he could take care of her. They still watched every race together and she made sure to send Logan a good luck text before every practice session, qualifying, and race.

When Logan got his first points, nobody celebrated more than Sebastian Vettels wife. She was so proud of him, even if those points were because of two disqualifications. She posted a picture of him and her from a previous race on Instagram like a proud mum. Funnily enough, Logan comments 'thanks mom' on the post.

Just two weeks after this, her water broke. Sebastian got her to the hospital. He stayed by her side, holding her hand through the hours of excruciating labour.

Leon Vettel didn't cry when he was born. He was so quiet, that it actually scared his mother. But the doctors and nurses assured the new parents that he was perfectly healthy.

He was their perfect little man.

She insisted on asking Logan to be Leons godfather. They had grown so close over the last few months that it seemed fitting.

Logan accepted. As soon as the Vettels could, they were taking Leon to races. Or, Sebastian took Leon to races, to watch his mother race. Of course he was wearing a Williams hat and McLaren shirt.

"Papa," Leon said at four years old after watching the Australian Grand Prix qualifying session.

"What is it, my little man?" Asked Sebastian as he sat Leon on his lap.

"I wanna be like mama and Uncle Logan," he said, and Sebastian couldn't stop himself from grinning.

[gguk-n]

Chapter 3- Caught in the Act

A+ in Pretend Love (Lando Norris x Reader)

Series Masterlist

Summary- If you asked Zak Brown, he would advice never to store confidential contracts on the cloud. If you asked Lando, he would tell you to not fall in love with your fake fiance. If you asked Y/N, she would tell you to never date a famous person even if it's not real.

While Lando was being coached by his best friend to confess his love to his fake fiance; Zak's cloud was being hacked in hopes of finding some dirt on McLaren or their CEO to black mail but they didn't expect to hit the jackpot. Their contract was valid for 3-4 more months and the plan was to slowly ease Y/N out of Lando's life and say that things didn't work out because of their busy schedule.

What no one anticipated was they would wake up on Saturday morning to both their face plastered all over the news with the contract they had signed. The media was calling them all sorts of things from trying to fool them to trying to fool an entire country. There were people who had tracked her down and were now waiting outside Y/N's house in hopes of talking to her or at her work. She had to take leave from work since her professors were speaking ill of her. She couldn't imagine having to go back for her PHD programme. The worst were the fans; the name calling, the hate; it was all directed towards her as if McLaren were saint's in all of this. Lando also bore the brunt of a major chunk of the hate.

Zak just texted them telling them not to talk to anyone and to stay hidden till it all died out. Y/N wouldn't even talk to Lando at this point because she was so angry and hurt and didn't want to direct her anger towards him when it wasn't even his fault. She was sat bawling her eyes out at all the mean things the people were saying about her. It made her life extremely difficult, something she hadn't imagined happening.

Lando was a mess; McLaren told the media that Lando wouldn't be answering any question other than the race and if they asked any personal questions, he just walked away; adding fuel to the fire. The drivers were also gossiping among themselves. "No wonder she suddenly showed up. It was all a rouse" George whispered. "I mean I get why McLaren would do that, with Lando's antics" Alex reasoned. But as soon as they would spot Lando, they would stop whispering. "If you guys are gonna talk about my relationship" he said in animated quotation marks, "do it in front of me. I'll answer all your questions" he huffed and walked away, clearly hurt by his friends. Racing while it felt like his world was falling apart was proving to be very difficult. All his calls and messages to Y/N would fall on deaf ears and it was messing with him even more. He just needed to know that she was okay. He didn't give a rat's ass about how he was.

"Lando, I think, soon the media will get something else to talk about. You should just focus on your racing" Zak reasoned with Lando who wanted to put out a statement saying it was all their idea. "None of this would've happened had you not saved the damn contract on your cloud" Lando sighed angrily. "I don't understand how could you let something like that happen" he shouted walking away. The environment in the McLaren garage was tense to say the least.

Lando had hoped that things would quite down by now. The original timeline for his contract was also up but there was no shutting up about the fake relationship. Lando won his maiden win and yet the only thing they could talk about was Y/N. Part of Lando missed her, he had really hope to be able to share this moment with her. When he got out of the car, a big part of him wished she was there so he could run to her, hold her and maybe celebrate this win with her.

So, later that night, he did call her and she answered, her voice hoarse. "Congratulations Lando" she crocked. "Were you crying?" Lando asked worried. "Yeah, I'm just so happy you won" she said clearing her throat. Lando found himself smiling for the first time in a long time. "How have you been?" he asked her softly. "Same old same old. I thought things would quite down by now but they haven't." Y/N mumbled. "I'm sorry" Lando apologised. "It's a good thing I'm busy with research for my PHD. I have no clue how I would deal with people in my class" she sighed. "I'm so sorry Y/N. It's all my fault" Lando began before Y/N cut him off. "It's no one's fault. Things like this happen. I'm just glad they didn't rebuke my visa for this" she laughed trying to lighten the mood. 'I miss you' was stuck in both their throats as they continued to talk for a couple more minutes. "I think we should cut the call" Y/N suggested. "Oh" Lando replied. "I think it would be easier for the both of us if we stopped contacting each other. It was a hassle explaining the whole thing to my parents and my relatives. I just don't have it in me honestly" Y/N breathed out shakily. "I'll fix this" Lando tried to reason. "Don't Lando. I think this was it for us. I wish you the best. Take care" Y/N said it like it was their last time talking. "Please" Lando begged but Y/N cut the call; "But I love you" Lando whispered into his phone.

As the time went on and as the championship picked up, Lando's heart was in unrest. He felt like he had wronged the person who he loved and he couldn't live knowing that. So, he decided to sit down one day and film a video. He had seen the stuff people were saying about him and Y/N and he felt like it had been months; people should've moved on by now but if they couldn't he would make sure that they wouldn't be able to say shit about Y/N anymore.

The video began with Lando in his Monaco apartment; "Hi guys. Lando here" he began. He took a deep breath before speaking; "I would like to address my whole relationship with Y/N in his video. Part of me had hoped that it wouldn't come to his but here we are. Y/N and I did begin this relationship in a contract but it was the team's and my decision to do so. She was just a random person we ran into who ended up helping us. So, the whole gold digger narrative you all are spinning is a load of bull. I know I shouldn't've done that but I had no other option to clear up my image because that's what the team and sponsors wanted. Part of me had hoped that after the championship had started picking up steam you guys would have something better to talk about but hating on us for the decisions we made is too much. If you would like to hate on me or send me a ton of hate, be my guest but please leave Y/N out of this. She is innocent and doesn't deserve this. I would appreciate it if you would stop sending hate to the woman I actually loved. And to Y/N, if you're even watching, had we met in a different situation, I would've actually married you since I really do love you" Lando finished the video and after he was happy with it he uploaded it to his channel. He knew his PR team would give him shit but he didn't give a fuck. He just wanted Y/N to be safe.

The internet was in an uproar after Lando's public declaration of love. Some were calling it cliche and the others were swooning over Lando for taking a stand. People weren't very happy with McLaren and how they had handled the whole situation. Lando was being bombarded by calls from McLaren and they were angry at him for what he did. "Lando are you crazy? The sponsors won't stop calling. Why would you say that?" Zak shouted. "Because lying was what got us here. So, I cleared the air" Lando stated. "You are unbelievable and so difficult. I don't know why I tried so hard to keep you" Zak mumbled which Lando heard and it stung.

Y/N was on vacation with Becky who had taken her away since all she did was stay coup-ed up at home since the whole incident. Y/N woke up to a text from her mum; 'you'll want to see this. It's Lando' it read. Y/N quickly loaded the video and before she knew it, she was crying. She couldn't believe that Lando loved her. The craziest part of the video was the love confession honestly. She quickly called him and a groggy voice answered. "Y/N, is everything okay?" Lando asked worried. "Yes. Do you mean it?" she asked. "Mean what?" Lando asked confused. "What you said in the video about being in love with me?" she pleaded. "Yes. Every word. I've been in love with you for months and I couldn't tell you and it was killing me. It's fine if you don't feel the same. I just needed to let it out" Lando rambled. "I love you too you muppet" she laughed as tears were rolling down her face. "You mean it?" Lando asked pinching himself. "Yes. I love you so much Lando Norris" she said, by now Becky was also up due to all the commotion. "Are you free tonight?" Lando asked. "Ahh, I'm on vacation right now" she said slowly. "Let me know when you're back, I'll pick you up at the airport" Lando said, "I love you Y/N Y/L/N" Lando stated. "I love you too" Y/N replied before ending the call to explain everything to Becky.

True to his words Lando had come to the airport to pick her up, As soon as he spotted her, he ran to her at full speed almost knocking her down as he wrapped his arms around her waist raising her in the process to spin around for a while. "I missed you" he whispered putting her down with his head nuzzled in her neck. "I missed you too" she whispered running a hand through the back of his hair. "You made me dizzy" she whined as he pulled away to look at her. "Sorry" Lando smiled sheepishly. "About that date?" he asked. "Give me some time to shower and than I'm all yours" she beamed.

The two of them headed home. They went on that much needed date; at home with pizza and shitty rom-coms. They giggled as the pair on the screen kissed. When Lando turned to look at her and held her face like it was the most precious thing. "Can I kiss you?" he mumbled, eyes flickering to her lips. She nodded and Lando closed the distance between them, the kiss was sweet and needy; they had so many emotions running through them and some how this kiss was exactly what they needed.

"What about McLaren?" she asked a couple days later. "I'll tell them we're really dating but now I really wanna just protect you. I won't let anything happen to you." he stated. "I know" she hummed in agreement kissing his lips.

After spending the whole of summer break together, Lando came out to announce that he was actually dating Y/N. The team took it as well as you expect them to. The fans were going wild since this was truly out of a book. The other drivers were quite supportive and even apologised for their previous discretion.

With Y/N on his side, Lando felt like he could take on the world; good or bad. And Y/N was happy she agreed to fake date Lando since she got a real boyfriend out of this.

Tag list- @gamesetmatch-me @seonghwaexile @yootvi @hadesnumber1daughter @khaylin27 @abq654 @plotpal @charlesgirl16 @inarabee @a-beaverhausen @hwalllllllelujah

[lorarri]

★ . . . 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐒 , 𝐅𝟏 𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐃

summary , a series where the readers are the drivers and these handsome gentlemen are the wags

collab , @solaireverie

status , ongoing

main masterlist | f1 masterlist | f1 grid masterlist | sol's masterlist

A DRINK OR TWO , after a nasty breakup you get black out at a bar and end up meeting someone who change your world

BEST HE'LL EVER WRITE , being the partner and muse of a celebrated author means that fans start connecting the dots sooner rather than later

CANDID PHOTOS , everybodies fav driver decides to spend off season down under and runs into someone who changes her life for the better

DADDY BOUGHT HIM A GIRLFRIEND , ferrari's team owners son is exposed for having a fan account for there number one driver and some how they end up fake dating for six months

ELECTRIC LOVE , people seem to be under the impression that you and your good friend sebastian are dating but little do they know kimi is way more your type

FASHION DISASTERS , a collaboration leads to fights disses and eventually blossoms into a whirlwind romance that no one saw coming

THAT LAVENDER HAZE , your florist husband spoils you with his creations

LET HIM COOK , he cooks in the kitchen while she cooks on track

MADRID PROPAGANDA , your brother is desperate for you to like real madrid and is willing to do whatever it takes to get there

ONE CHANCE BABY , a song on a collab album starts sparks on social media and reveles a long time crush that a rapper has on a certain ferrari driver

OWNER OF MY HEART , tension between teammates spirals out of control and people think new owner ship will help? well it did - but only for one of them

PAGES OF VOUGE , a fashion icon is drawn out of writing retirement by an equally iconic 8 time world champion which leads to love blossoming rather quickly

PAINTING PERFECTION ,a quick look around your house would tell anyone that you are a massive fan of a certain artist and with the help of the internet you become so much more than just a fan

PUT IT INTO SPEED DRIVE , alex is contracted to help you get out of trouble after you land in hot water

RIDE THE NEW WAVE , after a nasty break up you and lewis hamilton take a trip australia and you meet someone that makes you forget all about that loser of an ex

RULES OF BEING A BODYGUARD , after thing get a little tense between you and george after the brazil gp mark has his work cut out for him but remember rule number one - don't fall in love

esteban version ,

fernando version ,

george version ,

lando norris ,

logan version ,

max version ,

pierre version ,

[lilghostiequinni]

Podium & Champagne Kisses

Main Masterlist Lando Masterlist

Pairing: Hamilton! F1 Mercedes racer!female oc (Layana) x Lando Norris

Warnings: Fluffy,

Summary: For the first time in history, there is no photo finish that can choose the winner of a Formula One Grand Prix. It becomes less about the win and more about the champange.

Requested: NO / yes

2024 - Silverstone

Lewis Hamilton stood before a few interviews talking about his emotional, record-breaking 9th win at his home race of Silverstone.

His sister had gotten to him even before their father, toughing her arms around Lewis, tears streaming down her face.

When the hug was over, she looked at him, and he nodded. She moved out of the way for their father, then went over to Lando and hugged him, having a long-time friendship with the McLaren driver.

But now, Lewis drew back to the present after talking to his team for a few minutes, he was told it was okay to make the announcement of his replacement in the 2025 season.

He stood in front of the interviewer and the microphone; the question he was asked was, "Who would you like to replace at Mercedes next season?"

"Well, there are a few different answers to that question on who I would like to replace me because there are many great drivers who have and are being considered, and I was given the okay by the team and Toto to tell who would be replacing me. It was a long and lengthy decision on who. It was decided that my little sister, Layana, would be taking over my seat; she actually doesn't know yet that she's being offered the seat. So, Surprise!" Lewis said at length.

The interviewer expressed surprise, as did Layana, who was inside the Mercedes garage watching the interviews.

When Lewis got back to the garage, he told his sister that what he said was true, that she was, in fact, the new driver for Mercedes with George come 2025.

The week between Silverstone and Hungary, the contract between Mercedes and Layana Hamilton became official, and it was announced that Layana Hamilton would be taking her brother, Lewis's seat at Mercedes in 2025.

It was accompanied by an article detailing the career that Layana had followed.

The article/

Layana Hamilton's rise to Formula One seat in Mercedes

Layana Hamilton started her career in karting alongside other drivers such as Lando Norris, George Russell, and Alex Albon. She raced in Formula 2 alongside both drivers, opting out of joining the 2019 season of Formula One. She entirely changed motorsports for the 2019 season, opting to be a backup reserve driver for McLaren F1 but pursuing the season in the sport of MotoGP, the motorcycle version of Formula One.

In 2020, Hamilton returned to the sport of Formula One as a reserve driver for McLaren. During the 2020 season, she had gone off to the 24-hour Le Mans race, replacing Norman Nato in the Rebellion Racing at the last minute.

In 2021, Layana returned as a reserve driver, actually being able to race in Silverstone for a sick Daniel Riccardo and again in Russia.

2022 wasn't much different than 2020, having just been a reserve driver and again racing in the 24-hour Le Mans, changing teams to the Toyota Gazoo Racing, replacing Mike Conway for the race after what happened about 2 days before the race.

In the 2023 season of Formula One, Hamilton was offered a death at McLaren F1, which she did not take again, opting instead to move to the new McLaren team in the latest endeavor of the F1 Academy, eventually winning the season. She was also added to Ferrari AF Corse at the last minute in place of James Calado.

In the latest season of 2024, she moved from McLaren to Mercedes in F1 Academy and is again leading the championship. Layana also again competed in the 24-hour Le Mans race and, for the second time, with the winning team of Ferrari AF Corse.

So, it can be expected for great things from Layana Hamilton in the coming 2025 season.

Layana Hamilton celebrated her contract signing at Mercedes with her long-time boyfriend, Lando Norris. She went out and celebrated and partied because she got a seat.

She was ready, though before she offered, she wasn't ready. It didn't feel right each time she offered, and this time it felt right, it felt different.

Lando had been with her through it all. He knew the circumstances of other seasons that she turned down in previous seasons.

Lando knew why it didn't feel right each time. It was because of Lewis. He knew that it was different because of her brother, it wasn't some team offering her a contract like the last two times, it was her rock for the better part of her life, her big brother that offering her something she wanted.

2025 - Silverstone

It was Layana's first home race.

Her nerves were almost getting the better of her when arms wrapped around her from behind.

"It's okay, love. Just breathe. Come on. In. Out," It was Lando, Layana knew just from the tone of his voice.

Layana followed him with her breathing, calming down with each breath.

The race started with Lando at the pole and Layana at the second.

Before the end of the first lap, Layana was leading, and Lando had fallen behind Max into second.

5 laps to go, and Layana and Lando had been switching lead of the race the whole race.

When the chequered flag waved, it was a tie.

Lando and Layana crossed the finish at the same time. Not even a photo finish could determine the winner. The stewards determined that they both won.

"And the winner of the 2025 Silverstone, for the first time in history, is a tie. The winners are Layana Hamilton, for her maiden win in Formula One, and Lando Norris, for his first win at his home Grand Prix.

After that, there were bottles of champagne and kisses til there was no air in their lungs.

There was also the publication of Layana and Lando's relationship when he kissed her on the podium.

A/N: Follower Cele 1, here. I'm a little behind. I know that's what I'm doing today.

Tags: @poppyflower-22 @samantha-chicago @barcelonaloverf1life @tallrock35 @ellen3101 @llando4norris @hellothere9597

If you want to be removed from a tag list, let me know so I don't keep tagging you. If you are striked through, I don't know if you want to be tagged, but just let me know if you want me to continue or stop

[shit-talk-turner]

I think the shoot was arranged but they (Alex, Louise and the publicists) didn't count on the fandom being savvy, spotting Backgrid in the pics and realising they had been staged. They quickly removed them because they were an embarrassment because a lot of people have the idea Alex is beyond publicity stunts (no he isn't. When an artist signs a contract they agree to partake in any publicity necessary and if that includes fake shoots so be it).//

Giiiiirrrrllll! I sent a post sharing almost exactly the same theories as you but my tumblr keeps glitching so I don't think my messages are being received across the board (we'll see how this goes) but YES!!!

Alex has a reputation for being private so I think it goes over people's heads that he does infact participate in PR and has done so since the Alexa days. His reasoning behind it is anyone's guess, I do think at times it is for his own ego. For example I do think some pap shots across the years have been a way to 'show off' his girlfriends, I also think it's possible his girlfriends might be the ones tipping them off but due to his 'control freak' sense of nature I highly doubt he is not aware nor involved in one way or another.

I agree 10000000% those Italy pics were staged, I was actually surprised by this one and have been curious ever since what his reasoning was for them. Did news about Alexa and Tom come out around the time?! LOL! I also think he had them taken down due to public backlash. He definitely cares about public opinion, you see how disheartened he got about the reviews and audience reception for TBHC and The Car.

The Sushi pap shots another dead giveaway they were staged, it's a celebrity PR hot spot and let's be honest what team of Papparazzi are out on the prowl looking to locate Alex Turner and his nobody girlfriend!? Then you've got the ever miserable looking NYC pap shots also pre arranged and its evident through the video footage. Alex looks like he wishes to be anywhere else than beside his 'lover'. The question is WHY?

My theories relate to the remaining mystery of Lou's second album. We're already aware through the bread crumbing that it was in the works at some stage. We saw pics/videos/word of Al's music friends working on something with her, Lou hinting at writing, Lou hinting at filming some sort of promo/doco that never got released in partnership with some company, Lou saying herself a second album is 'coming' etc etc. Oh! And there's the other miserable 'anniversary' photoshoot they were spotted doing together in the park in NYC. Could it be possible the PR/Pap shots were to put the feelers out and gain some traction on the couple to start the promo/teasing of Lou's next release?! I'm dying to know if this is a project Alex will gladly have his name associated to or if he'll 'Deep Joy' it as he did with her music videos.

This might be one I'll be alone on but I'm also suspicious of the Greek video footage. I mean just the timing of its release. I find it interesting and also thoughtful of the people who filmed it that they held onto it for like what was it like two weeks before uploading online they were spotted. The uploader didn't interact with Al or Lou so why did they choose to hold on to it? Usually, when a fan encounters someone they admire they tend to excitedly share on their socials sooner rather than later. Also, if I recall correctly there was a lot of speculation going on at the time that Alex and Lou hadn't seen each other for months on end and this footage was 'evidence' that opinion was incorrect.

Public figures/Celebrity and PR Agencies are getting more creative in how they 'sell' themselves and/or their clients, some go for the obvious and clearly staged shots while other times they go for the 'natural', 'candid' shots that are staged but are designed to appear otherwise.

On that note the AM boys are more business savvy than many of us tend to give them credit for!

If this was PR for Louise’s album wouldn’t it have been timed with information about her actual album coming out? So far there isn’t even a hint of her album and AM doesn’t seem to use this kind of PR when it’s their own album so what is this all for?!

[seosejun]

Soloist SEO SEJUN debuted at the beginning of last year with the critically acclaimed mini-album, NEW GAME, which achieved immediate success. The album sold nearly half a million copies, and his debut song, MELODY, took home seven music show wins. He followed this up a few months later with another EP, to much of the same success. His meteoric rise to fame and fortune is an obvious by-product of the little over a year he spent in 1V1, a fan-formed group from survival show Last Act. By the end of their fifteen-month temporary contract, 1V1 was on even ground with the show’s winners, ENCORE, having sold over a million copies with their first and last full-length album.

The ten months since his last music release have come as a surprise. While it was obvious he wouldn’t maintain the breakneck pace of 1V1’s releases, the quick turnaround between his first two albums seemed like a promising sign. Now, it looks like those signs were misplaced.

That isn’t to say Sejun has spent the last ten months in radio silence. He’s active as a model and an influencer, gracing the covers of Vogue and Elle Korea to name some examples. He also co-wrote the debut album of former group member KIM CHAN late last year. When it comes to his own music career, he seems to have become completely inept.

With each passing day, it becomes increasingly evident he’s moved on to greener pastures: his streaming career. Sejun’s Twitch and personal YouTube channels 세유화 (SEYUHWA)—a portmanteau of his name and Kim Sowol’s poem “산유화”—made their debuts last summer. Since then, he’s streamed almost every day, sometimes for ten to twelve hours at a time. He spends most of that time playing video games—namely Overwatch 2—and occasionally engaging in the usual parasocial conversations with fans. Given that his appearance on Last Act and 1V1’s entire concept both revolved around video games, it was only a matter of time before his solo career did the same. Inheriting the group concept is not enough, Sejun needs to wholly embody it.

From an outside perspective, C Entertainment appears to support his new ventures. His streams sometimes features his manager, KWON INSOO, as a gaming partner rather than a supervisor. Sejun has yet to speak out or complain about his new management. Knowing his propensity for talking shit, his complaints would be known if he had complaints to make. Viewers were also quick to notice that he seems to be happier and more animated streaming than in either of his solo promotional periods, leading fans to wonder if he still wants to be an idol.

Not everyone is as enthusiastic as he is for his new career. He gained notoriety during Last Act after a recording of him flaming his League of Legends teammates in voice chat surfaced. Although tame by gaming standards, it was not the best look for an idol hopeful. Similar controversies would continue to plague him throughout his time in 1V1, though they did nothing to hinder the group’s success. With his freedom to apparently do whatever he chooses, Sejun has once again found himself the target of those who dislike his disregard for an idol image. Some of his streams also feature former 1V1 member ALEX KANG, who retired from the entertainment industry after the group’s disbandment. Though these collaborations were once celebrated by casual kpop fans and die-hard Supports—1V1’s fandom name—alike, Alex’s insistence on distancing himself from the kpop industry and his tendency to ban people in his Twitch chat who ask too many questions about his idol experience have furthered soured some netizens’ opinion of Sejun.

When asked about the state of his music career or if he’s preparing for a comeback, Sejun is uncharacteristically vague. In responses to comments on his Instagram posts of his latest brand deals, he's “working on it” and hopes fans will “wait a little longer.” He elaborated a bit further on streams, assuring fans it isn’t the fault of his management like many of them assume, but rather his own choices. He doesn’t say much more on the topic.

For now, there's nothing for fans to do but wait as he's asked.

[global-newz]

Ruben Amorim: "Now or Never" Decision on Manchester United Move

Ruben Amorim, who has established himself as one of Europe’s brightest coaching talents, will soon lead Manchester United as their new head coach. The 39-year-old Sporting Lisbon manager explained that he originally intended to finish the current season in Portugal but had to accept the move mid-season when told it was “now or never.”

Mid-Season Move to Old Trafford

Amorim was officially announced as United’s head coach on Friday, and his transition to Manchester will be complete by November 11. After Sporting’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Estrela da Amadora, Amorim shared his struggle in making the decision. "For three days, I insisted on staying until the season's end, but the opportunity was urgent, and I had to decide quickly," he said. The urgency arose as Manchester United sought an immediate successor following the sacking of Erik ten Hag earlier this week.

Despite the bittersweet emotions among Sporting supporters, Amorim emphasized his commitment to ending his time at the club on a high note. “It was tougher for me than any fan,” he confessed. He added, “I had other lucrative offers, but Manchester was the only one I wanted.”

Manchester United’s Expectations

Amorim has agreed to a contract through June 2027 and will become United's sixth permanent manager since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. The Red Devils, currently in 14th place in the Premier League, are in dire need of rejuvenation. Ruud van Nistelrooy will serve as interim manager until Amorim officially takes over, guiding the team through two league matches and a Europa League fixture.

Amorim also confirmed plans to bring his entire technical staff to Manchester. “My staff has been with me since Casa Pia,” he said, highlighting the loyalty and synergy he shares with his coaching team. He also ruled out targeting Sporting players during the January transfer window, despite Viktor Gyokeres’ incredible four-goal performance. “Gyokeres costs 100 million, and I’m not planning to take any Sporting players,” he clarified.

Lisbon's Farewell and Premier League Reaction

BBC Sport journalist Olga Monteiro reported from Lisbon, describing the emotional farewell. Fans gathered in a sea of green, some celebrating Amorim’s achievements and others voicing disappointment at his departure. Nonetheless, Amorim received a standing ovation, reflecting his lasting impact on the club.

In the Premier League, Amorim’s appointment has sparked interest. Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, a former United coach, wished Amorim success, while Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca expressed faith in United’s decision. Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou, whose Spurs defeated United 3-0 earlier this season, looked forward to meeting Amorim, noting, “He will have his feet firmly under the desk by then.”

Amorim’s Manchester United journey begins with high stakes and immense expectations, but the Portuguese coach is ready to embrace this new challenge, confident in the support of his trusted staff and the club's belief in his vision.

[robsheridan]

No band defined the 1980s Demon Metal scene like its breakout superstars, CYBORG SLAVES OF SATAN. This is their story.

By the late 1970s, the rowdy demons of Hell’s lower circles had become obsessed with the mortal music inspired by their lives and work: Heavy Metal - “the devil’s music,” as it was called. Metal’s aggressive sounds, satanic artwork, lyrics about demons, and hard-partying lifestyle enamoured Satan’s working class minions, many of whom were inspired to start playing their own music. Some even dreamed of taking their bands to the mortal plane and pursuing rock fame, but as the lowest caste of Lucifer’s servants, crossing realms was forbidden. However, 1980 found Satan’s power in a rare weakened state after He used a tremendous amount of His energy to get an actor named Ronald Reagan elected President of the United States, part of a long soul-gathering plan. With the devil at rest, the CSOS took their shot and traveled to Hollywood, California (one of the closest places to Hell on mortal earth). The rest is history.

CSOS built buzz rapidly from their early club shows on the Sunset Strip. Earth’s metal fans had never seen anything like it, and the band had a record contract and their first US tour by 1982.

Although Satan had remained distracted with another major project (the infamous 1982 Macy's Thanksgiving Day "Blood Parade"), Hell’s bounty hunters were paying attention, and it became a regular occurrence for members of CSOS to burst into hellfire and spontaneously combust in the middle of concerts, sent back to Hell for punishment. Audiences were delighted by the “gag” and more demons were happy to fill in, so the band’s lineup was always in rotation and the violent disintegration of musicians became a signature spectacle of Demon Metal shows.

(CSOS tanktop available here)

By 1984’s Too Metal For Hell, CSOS had skyrocketed to global superstardom and earned a reputation as "the most dangerous band on the planet." Wild parties, explosive concerts, drugs, groupies, and controversy had become as much a part of CSOS as the music itself.

But as they returned to LA in 1985 to work on new material and rehearse their biggest tour yet, it was fame itself that threatened to tear CSOS apart. Egos flared and bitter rivalries formed between band members as arguments over the new direction of the band intensified.

Would the band collapse under the pressure of fame? Or could they find a balance between Hollywood celebrity and their Underworld roots? Find out next week when Rob Sheridan's Beneath the Music continues…

Cyborg Slaves of Satan began in July 2022 as an artistic exercise of reappropriating and repurposing the maniacal blatherings of professional shithead Alex Jones into badass pulp metal horror conjured from an alternate past. They became t-shirts and posters for an 80s b-movie and/or metal band that didn't exist... until now. Cyborg Slaves of Satan is conceived, written, designed, and visualized by Rob Sheridan.

[ummick]

Fresh Hope For Mick Schumacher As 'Low-Risk' F1 Return Option Emerges - Report

Mick Schumacher's name is increasingly cropping up in conversations over Audi's F1 2025 driver line-up, it has been claimed. Audi, who will take over the existing Sauber team in time for F1's new regulations in 2026, are still searching for a teammate for Nico Hulkenberg for next season.

Mick Schumacher to return in all-German Audi F1 2025 lineup?

The German manufacturer had made no secret of their desire to sign outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, who announced last month that he will join Williams for F1 2025. That blow came after Audi saw second-choice option Esteban Ocon swap Alpine for Haas next season, forcing Sauber to consider alternatives to partner Hulkenberg. Audi has announced a number of high-level management changes over recent weeks, with former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto appointed to the dual role of chief operating and technical officer. Binotto has effectively replaced ex-McLaren boss Andreas Seidl, who was dismissed along with Audi chairman Oliver Hoffmann after persistent rumours of a power struggle between the pair. Audi has also appointed Jonathan Wheatley to the position of team principal, with the current Red Bull sporting director set to begin his new role in July 2025 at the latest.

A report by German publication Auto Motor und Sport has claimed that Binotto's arrival could see Schumacher being handed an unexpected F1 reprieve, with the 25-year-old "mentioned more frequently" in discussions over Audi's F1 2025 driver pairing. Binotto was the head of Ferrari when Schumacher came through the Scuderia's junior academy, winning the prestigious F2 (formerly GP2) title in 2020 before being promoted to F1 with customer team Haas in 2021. Schumacher, the son of seven-time world champion Michael, was dropped by Haas at the end of the 2022 season after struggling alongside teammate Kevin Magnussen and currently combines the role of Mercedes reserve driver with a race seat in Alpine's World Endurance Championship operation. Having missed out on Sainz and Ocon, it is said that Audi were already swaying towards considering young drivers under the previous regime, with Binotto's relationship with Schumacher enhancing the German driver's hopes. Schumacher parted company with Ferrari in December 2022, two days after Fred Vasseur was confirmed as Binotto's replacement as team principal. Schumacher, who previously carried out testing for Sauber (then Alfa Romeo) in 2019, is described as a 'relatively low-risk option' for Audi, who 'would be celebrated' for giving the star another chance in F1 following his challenging spell at Haas. The news of Audi's interest in Schumacher comes after it emerged that reigning Indycar champion Alex Palou, who was previously linked to McLaren, is also a surprise contender to become Hulkenberg's teammate. Audi are also known to be keeping tabs on Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson, who impressed in a five-race cameo for the injured Daniel Ricciardo in mid-2023. PlanetF1.com understands that a clause in Lawson's contract will allow him to walk away from Red Bull entirely if he is not promoted to a permanent seat with either Red Bull Racing or VCARB for F1 2025, with the team's option on the New Zealander believed to expire in September. Long-serving Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko recently appeared to confirm this, revealing that a decision on Lawson's future will be communicated next month.

[girlfriendpato]

Vroom vroom, good afternoon/evening to Zak's twink farm 🤭 If you got out of the cursed bathroom already, would you mind sharing some of your Hungary predictions? (I mean, if that doesn't go against your contract of course, you worked hard for that podium and I don't wanna take it away from you 😂)

I AM SCREAMING THIS WAS A WAY TO SEND AN ASK. A WAY FOR SURE. WOW. I AM WOW

under the cut. there’s for sure ppl i missed but if i forgot about them they aren’t important so 🙏

max (dns) and checo (dns) and hulk (dns) are locked in the cursed bathroom and can't race. Pierre (DNS) accepts the choice to race in a red bull replacing max but ive broken the second red bull and he cant do shit, qualifies on a bicycle, matching checo's pace in the redbull while experiencing what it's like to be in a ferrari but the fia after 2 hours of discussion decides that bicycles should not be allowed on track. ocon (p6) blackmails the fia after getting tired of the penalties and commits track crimes finishing in the points. yuki (p4) steals the leftover redbull car but spends his time lapping everyone cause alpha tauri fucked up strategy. horner tries to get him to drive for red bull. i punch horner in the face. Alex (p3) creates the insanest drs train in existence and gets driver of the day. horner tries approaching him. i punch horner in the face again. Zhou (p5) turns up to the paddock in a fit that slays so hard the alfa romeo decides to work has great battles with yuki and it ends up being the highlight of the race. Meanwhile george (p8) started on the front row but thought it was raining again and pits. everyone has a heart attack. it was his sweat. then toto has a heart attack and decides to hate the british. Bottas (p7) is just avoiding all the drama and having the chillest race ever. we get worried cause its too calm. the worry is valid he releases a new picture of his ass 2 days after the race then he dyes his mullet red in celebration and chaos breaks out. Kevin (p9) has a great start but his fuel ran out halfway he runs back to the pits and gets in Hulk’s car and this costs him a top 5 finish. the fia is too scared of estaban to do anything about this. There’s also too busy too appreciate Lewis (p1) and Charles (p2) battling with them finishing with a tenth of each other. I appreciate this fully. I also play chess with fernando (dns) and beat him so bad he has to pull out from the race. Carlos (dns) thinks he’s better than me and tries playing me as well. he gets demolished worse and has to take a mental health break but not before convincing lando to play me. I beat landos (dns) ass too and then punch Zak for good measure. Zak goes and sits in a corner with Horner and a ice pack. lance (p10) is not following my crimes at all and has a almost fully calm race but tries to replicate hungary 2021 at the start in honour of that season. The fia at that point are just knocked out so he gets away with it.

[ingek73]

Dan Wootton sacked by MailOnline a day after GB News suspension

Journalist’s column and contract terminated after comments made by Laurence Fox on his GB News show

Jim Waterson Media editor

Thu 28 Sept 2023 15.40 CEST

Dan Wootton has been sacked by MailOnline the day after he was suspended by GB News for his part in an on-air discussion with actor Laurence Fox about a female journalist.

The TV anchor has been suspended from his lucrative MailOnline column since the summer over accusations he used the pseudonym “Martin Branning” to send sexually explicit messages to former colleagues. GB News declined to investigate these claims of inappropriate sexual behaviour against one of their star presenters, arguing they were alleged to have happened at a former employer.

As a result Wootton continued presenting his primetime nightly show on GB News until this week, when he was suspended over his role in a discussion with Fox about the appearance of a female journalist.

MailOnline has now ended Wootton’s contract, which was understood to give the journalist a six-figure salary in return for two columns a week.

A spokesperson for DMG Media, the parent company of MailOnline, said: “Following events this week, DMG Media can confirm that Dan Wootton’s freelance column with MailOnline – which had already been paused – has now been terminated, along with his contract.”

The media regulator Ofcom has also opened an investigation into Wootton’s exchange with Fox, after receiving more than 7,000 complaints in 24 hours that the channel may have breached the broadcasting code.

Wootton is still facing another investigation by his former employers at News UK, the parent company of the Sun, over claims he pretended to be a person called “Martin Branning” in order to solicit sexual images from his then-colleagues. The company has called in an external legal firm, Kingsley Napley, to investigate allegations against Wootton, who was one of the country’s most powerful celebrity journalists for much of the 2010s.

That investigation is ongoing, with lawyers interviewing Wootton’s current and former colleagues.

Wootton has continually denied sending sexual messages to his former colleagues, responding to the allegations on his GB News show by saying “dark forces” were trying to bring him down with a “smear campaign”.

He admitted making unspecified mistakes in the past but denied any criminal wrongdoing and has since claimed he is being unfairly targeted for having “political views that challenge the orthodoxy”.

He told GB News viewers he would “like nothing more than to address those spurious claims” but “on the advice of my lawyers I cannot comment further”.

Despite Wootton’s denials that he was Martin Branning, a number of people who knew him have come forward to accuse him including his former boyfriend Alex Truby and a model called Andy Lee.

Lee, a performer on the subscriber website OnlyFans, told the Guardian he met ���Branning” in person in 2013 – and later realised he had actually met Wootton.

At first Lee did not think there was anything odd about the encounter, saying: “I was always under the impression he was Martin Branning.”

This apparently changed soon afterwards, when Lee claimed he was followed on Twitter by a journalist called Dan Wootton. Lee said he was shocked because the profile picture on Wootton’s account was the face of the “Martin Branning” he met.

Wootton has neither confirmed nor denied that he used the Martin Branning pseudonym and an associated email address. He set up a crowdfunder to fight the accusations against him, which raised more than £30,000, but that has now been deleted.

His lawyer previously said: “For the avoidance of further doubt, our client did not at any time contact current or former colleagues at the Sun with offers of money in return for sexually explicit images, he did not engage in inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.”

Wootton has been approached for comment.

-

Far too late but still

[hertwood]

dts s2 e8-10

ep8: -this is cool to watch with the context of nico back in f1 today -theres just something so funny about when drivers get told something they dont wanna hear over the radio and its just dead silence. theyre real for that tho -nico/cyril jet "therapy" conversation is so iconic TO ME -i now know how alain prost is yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy -i think both of daniel's one year teammate tenures (nico & estie) are both sooooooooo interesting. ship wise fascinating. underrated as hell. -neurodivergent daniel propoganda "nico huuuuuulkenburg" is 100% a vocal stim -ESTIE my beloved. the original Toto Wolff's Special Lil Guy™ -no its so nice to see him in this gap where it was all up in the air knowing how much he's cemented his place in formula 1 now. (like i KNOW that alpine is a shitshow rn but he could easily find another seat. even if not he's made his mark :) -this makes me excited to see nico in the new season. he makes pretty good tv and it'll be cool to see how much of that has changed with age! -another narratively well done episode. nico's only episode and a wonderful one. i also noticed the music a lot, i think they way they used music to build tension was rly cool and not something i've noticed in general. really really good episode

ep9: -"george, i think, is a one-in-a-million driver" claire i LOVE U. ur brain is so big and correct -hes such a BABY here -i really really need a return of a williams focused episode next season. badly -claire you are so strong and brave for surviving this shitshow i dont know how yall did it -i wish this episode was put earlier in the season, i dont know why they didnt? since it focuses a lot on preseason/testing drama why is it episode 9? i know its never perfectly chronological but they couldve at least tried

ep10: -the pierre v alex narrative is so silly when clearly red bull sees them as disposable. like babes neither of you are EVER gonna be enough because youre not max :/ like 2 women fighting to be the favorite mistress of a man who will NEVER leave his wife!!!!! -"if [mclaren] continue this trend, they could be competing with the likes of red bull, possibly ferrari and mercedes for podiums" i just love a good quote that ages well. thank you will buxton -this sebchal crash is SO canada 2010 sebmark coded TO ME -the dread that filled my body when i realized. oh this is the lewis stops alex from getting a podium episode. pain incoming -seeing how happy pierre is abt the podium is So Nice knowing whats coming!!! (monza 2020) he deserves everything -while i dont particularly like carlos i think this first podium story/celebration is so cool and i'm so glad netflix were there to immortalize it -oh my god the "what about everyone else?" placard cracks me up every time aldkjfslkdfjalksdjflksfjd -pre teammate dando crumbs make me INSANE wuv them -"i think they ignored me the whole year, so [Netflix] can fuck off." Dany is barely in drive to survive ever BUT WHEN HE IS he serves cunt 😘 -lewis almost being eaten by an automatic door is an ICONIC dts moment it makes me INSANE every time i watch its so fucking funny -talkin abt how 2020 silly season is gonna be crazy bc most drivers are out of contract; thinkin abt how this year is gonna be the same 😬 -long hair lance my beloved

and thats a wrap!!! on to season 3!! (i'm 3 episode behind 😬)

[mahometchristian]

The Origin of the Mahomet Community Name

Texas origin story: Over the years, the name Mahomet has been associated with three different locations in southeastern Burnet County. The first was two miles northeast of Bertram, near the source of Bear Creek. George Ater, who settled in the area in 1853 and managed a stage coach stop on the Austin to Lampasas route. The stage carried the mail and he named the site and its post office for the town he came from - Mahomet, Illinois. 

Later, after the railroad was built, it stopped at a new town called Bertram. The mail transport was changed from the stage coach to the train. George decided to close down his Mahomet post office at the Ater place and just get his mail in Bertram. 

The farmers to the east, not wanting to go all the way to Bertram to get their mail, adopted the Mahomet name and the Mahomet Post Office was relocated to Alex M. Ramsey's place near Sycamore Springs in January of 1883. This post office was located near where County Road 214 meets FM 243 on the Louis Insall place. Guess it was easier to move a post office than create a new one. (-: It was later moved to the Williams Store that was located on FM 243 and Burnet County Road 284 across from Tiny Breedon's place.

Illinois origin story: Mahomet is a village in Champaign County, Illinois. The town's own published account credits their founder Daniel T. Porter, who had Connecticut roots, as the one who denominated both the new village as Middletown (after Middletown, Connecticut) and the post office as Mahomet (after Mahomet Weyonomon, a Mohegan sachem from Connecticut). With the arrival of the railroad, the town embraced the name of its post office in 1871 because there already was a Middletown, Illinois.

Who are the Mohegans: The earliest clans of the Delaware Tribe were part of the Pequot people and included the Wolf clan, or Mohegans. They settled in upstate New York and later migrated to Connecticut. They gradually became independent and served as allies of the English Puritan colonists in the Pequot War of 1636, which broke the power of the formerly dominant Pequot tribe in the region. A "sagamore" or "sachem" among the Mohegans is a chief or eminent leader. Sachem Uncas, a Christian convert and sagamore Wequash Cooke were instrumental in leading their people to prevail in the war of 1636.

Who is Mahomet Weyonomon: Mahomet Weyonomon was a Mohegan Sachem, grandson of Sachem Oweneco and well-educated, writing several languages including English and Latin. The Mohegans became allies of the English, helping the first settlers in New England survive the bitter cold and repel Indian attacks. But the English began to steal tribal lands. Queen Anne’s Commissioners granted the return of Mohegan lands by an order of 1705 but this was ignored by the Connecticut government. Mohomet sailed to London in 1735 with three supporters to petition King George II for the return of the stolen lands. While awaiting an audience, Weyonomon contracted smallpox and died in the City of London but foreigners could not be buried in the City, so he was carried across the river and buried near St Saviour’s Church, now Southwark Cathedral.

In 2006 the Queen of England ...

In 2006 this young Native American brave's life, who died in 1735, was celebrated when a party of Mohicans, dressed in deer skins and eagle feathers went to England and took over the vaulted Southwark Cathedral that was built on his grave site for an authentic 'Red Indian' funeral service presided over by none other than the Queen Elizabeth II of England, or 'nonner', as female chieftains are known. On the site, a memorial sculpture to Mahomet Weyonomon Sachem of the Mohegans of Connecticut created by Peter Randall-Page was then unveiled by Her Majesty the Queen.

-30-

[rmfantasysetpieces1]

Thank saint garrincha for alex song. It is rare to find an honest player. 1st, he left to Barca for MONEY!!! so many players talk about how they loved the team they followed him. Get out of here. You left for the money. And there is nothing wrong with leaving for the money , but it should be nothing wrong leaving for the money anywhere, any confederation, any league. Second, all of these agents and entourages and "family" members, never help guide these players spent their money better... ahhhh

THE ARTiCLE

'I left Arsenal for the money – I knew I wouldn’t play but I didn’t think twice about leaving' Alex Song had only one thing in mind when Barcelona came in to sign him from Arsenal - and it certainly wasn't how many minutes he'd be playing in their star-studded side

Arsene Wenger the Arsenal manager chats to Alex Song during an Arsenal pre season training session on July 20, 2005

ByDan Burnham Senior Sports Reporter 13:09, 9 Sep 2024

Regular game time at Arsenal wasn't enough for Alex Song - who "didn't give a f***" about warming Barcelona's bench to become a millionaire.

Song, who celebrates his 37th birthday today (September 9), had been with the Gunners since 2005, first signing on loan aged just 17 and going on to make 205 appearances across all competitions under Arsene Wenger. He was a reliable defensive midfielder for their French boss, making him one of the first names on the teamsheet.

His Premier League form attracted attention from the Catalan giants, who made a £15million offer for his services in the summer of 2012. At the time, Barca boasted their star-studded midfield of Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

So Song was under no illusions he'd be anything but a back-up option used primarily from the bench and in cup competitions. But that was of no concern to him, "not thinking twice" before putting pen to paper on a five-year deal which earned him a reported pay rise from £55,000-a-week to £70k.

Recalling the moment while on an Instagram live with fellow Cameroonian and NBA star Pascal Siakam in 2020, he said: “When Barcelona offered me a contract, and I saw how much I would earn, I didn't think twice.

"I felt my wife and children should have comfortable lives once my career is over. I met Barca's sporting director, and he told me I would not get to play many games, but I didn't give a f*** – I knew that now I would become a millionaire."

Song had been on good money at Arsenal, earning £15k-a-week in just his first contract. But the lavish lifestyle he led in the English capital drained his earnings.

He detailed one costly purchase in particular - buying the same car as Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, which he returned within two months due to how much it was costing him in petrol.

"Most footballers live beyond their means. I was at Arsenal for eight years but only began to earn a good living in the last four," Song admitted.

"That was because my salary went up a lot -- but also because I came to realise what a waster I was. During my entire time at Arsenal, I couldn't even save £100,000, while people thought I must be a millionaire."

He'd spend just two seasons playing for Barca before returning to London for two loan spells with West Ham, departing permanently in 2016 to join Russian club Rubin Kazan. Song went on to also represent Swiss side Sion and Arta Solar 7 in Djibouti before retiring last November.

URL https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-transfer-alex-song-barcelona-33627318

#rmsoccer

[shit-talk-turner]

Sorry to disagree but those Italy pics were staged. You only have to see similar set ups from other celebrities (Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde were two of them) they did a shoot in Italy and the poses were virtually identical to Louise and Alex. Both by Backgrid. Also why did Alex come back to London a couple of days after they were taken and she stayed on for weeks?

You can't say that AM don't use their personal lives and that people aren't interested.. If that was the case what are the points of blogs like this and even the Milex ones?

And they don't help themselves the way for some reason the wags all have to tag along and be seen to be partying together side stage etc when AM play a major city. I have followed other huge bands and this almost misogynistic attitude that the wives behave like groupies is non existent.

I think the shoot was arranged but they (Alex, Louise and the publicists) didn't count on the fandom being savvy, spotting Backgrid in the pics and realising they had been staged. They quickly removed them because they were an embarrassment because a lot of people have the idea Alex is beyond publicity stunts (no he isn't. When an artist signs a contract they agree to partake in any publicity necessary and if that includes fake shoots so be it).

The same applied to the Sushi restaurant. Splash news are another media agency and they have staged pics there with lots of couples.

It should be noted that AM's PR is US based and these things only ever happen in the US or in the case of Italy just before the US tour. Let's not be naive. Celebrities call Backgrid, who take a whole bunch of pictures, the celebrities/their PR negotiate with Backgrid for the pics they are going to use and money exchanges hands (a simple Google search will confirm this). Those miserable pictures were published deliberately, because Alex is a heartthrob in the US and it feeds into teenage girls' fantasies of rescuing him from a horrible relationship so they buy tickets. Stuff like this has been going on since Colonel Tom Parker realised Elvis shaking his leg caused girls to scream.

Personally I think Louise and Alex led separate lives and just came together for when publicity was needed. You only have to look at the change in her social media content from during The Car era to now. I think now she realises she doesn't serve any purpose so she is doing her own thing without the aid of publicists and that's why it's a total disaster.

hmm. Food for thought