The ace defender goes to Israel every year for his holidays - and now he wants to learn the lingo.

The 29-year-old footballer, who has an Israeli agent, Pini Zahavi, is also fascinated by the Jewish state's culture and history.

A source told The People newspaper that Rio loves Israel so much, he is thinking of settling there when he hangs up his soccer boots.

Nice to hear he has a GOAL of a different kind in mind.

Sushi proves a mouthful

STAND-UP dining is a way of life in Israel. Felafel and shwarma have long been the two most popular snacks for people in too much of a rush to sit down.

The Middle Eastern street delicacies are closely followed by pizza, sabih (hummus, fried eggpland and salads) and, of course, the hamburger.

But now there's a newcomer on the block - sushi. And it's catching on like wildfire.

There are already more than 100 sushi eateries in Tel Aviv alone - ranging from restaurants to kiosks.

Now there's food for thought!

Amy's a budding Buddhist

WHAT a crazy mixed-up girl Amy Winehouse has turned out to be.

The 24-year-old tattooed songbird from north London has now taken up... Buddhism.

She chants for 10 minutes in the mornings and just before she goes to sleep, say reports this week.

And she does so while holding a string of Buddhist beads.

As if that's not worrying enough for a nice Jewish girl, she claims she is planning the perfect Christmas with hubby Blake Fielder-Civil - once he is released from prison.

However, it seems the troubled star hasn't forgotten her roots.

For on her new LP she sings about her Jewish childhood. And one track is even about making chicken soup.

What's more, the troubled diva has also taken to wearing her Magen David necklace again.

So there's hope for you yet, Amy.

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