Phil Neville relaxes in Barbados, Carrick dons dodgy shorts as Drogba and Falcao soak up the Miami Heat

After a long, gruelling season, the world of football will now be able to kick back and enjoy a long, hot summer as the game's brightest stars head off on their holidays.
Sportsmail will be there every step of the way, bringing you the very best snaps from Las Vegas, to Dubai, Ibiza (and back to Las Vegas) on a daily basis.

 

PHIL NEVILLE (BARBADOS)

After retiring from a long and illustrious career at Manchester United and Everton, Phil Neville took a break in slightly more tropical climes than the dreary North West.
The former Toffees skipper, who is likely to move into coaching since hanging up his boots once and for all, strolled along with a polo shirt and sunglasses on with his wife and children in tow.

Relaxed: Phil Neville took a break in Barbados with his wife and children

Stroll: Neville and his family soaked up some rays in the Caribbean island 

The 36-year-old will be taking time away from making his next big career decision. Neville is poised to move into coaching having studied for his FA badges, but could also move into broadcasting after the roaring success of his older brother, Gary, on Sky Sports.
The next step will surely be far from Neville's thoughts as he enjoys a well-earned holiday in sunny Barbados. How could he possibly be thinking about work?

 

MICHAEL CARRICK (BARBADOS)
Manchester United man Michael Carrick was also on the Caribbean island of Barbados.
The England midfielder was sporting a pair of patterned shorts while on a white-sand beach.
Carrick, who won the Premier League with United last season, tidies around his sun lounger before gathering up his things and walking off.

Clean up: Michael Carrick tidies up the area around his sun lounger on the sunny beach in Barbados

Nice shorts: Carrick sports a patterned print on his swimming trunks while relaxing on the sandy beach

One of Sir Alex Ferguson's stand-out performers last season, Carrick will be glad to take some time out to recharge his batteries before trying to impress new boss David Moyes before the start of their title defence in August.
The 31-year-old wasn't too far away from a ball though. While cleaning up the area surrounding his sunbed in the sunny resort, Carrick picked up two lightweight balls before strolling off up the beach.

Off I go: Carrick gathers his things before walking off down the beach

 

DIDIER DROGBA AND RADAMEL FALCAO (MIAMI)
Two of Europe's most lethal strikers were in attendance at one of the biggest events on the sporting calendar on Thursday, as they watched Miami Heat clinch victory in the NBA Finals.
Drogba of Galatasaray and Monaco new boy Falcao were court-side as LeBron James moved through the gears late in the match to secure victory for the Heat over San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Arena.
The former Chelsea striker and the Colombian hitman posed for photographs alongside ex-Blue Salomon Kalou after the match, with Drogba posting the pictures on his Instagram account after the game.

Too much talent in Miami: Salomon Kalou (left), Radamel Falcao (centre) and Didier Drogba (right) pose

After seeing the images on Drogba's account, Chelsea fans may be forgiven for thinking about what could have been.
Had supporters' favourite Drogba stayed at Stamford Bridge after his Champions League-winning    penalty, he could have been joined by Falcao if the former Atletico Madrid man hadn't swapped the Spanish capital for Monaco.
Oh well. At least they have the Special One back.

Magic: Drogba praised LeBron James for his performance in the NBA Finals