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    Mykhailo Mudryk left out of Chelsea trophy celebrations despite travelling to Poland in his club kit to collect a medal

    MYKHAILO MUDRYK was left out of Chelsea’s trophy celebrations – despite travelling to Poland for the Conference League final.The Blues came from behind to beat Real Betis 4-1 in Wroclaw.Chelsea lifted the Conference League after beating Real BetisCredit: GettyMykhailo Mudryk did not get a medal despite being in PolandCole Palmer inspired the comeback with two superb assists – for Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson – before Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo rounded off the victory.It meant Chelsea got their hands on the Conference League trophy and completed the set of European silverware after their Champions League and Europa League triumphs.But Mudryk did not pick up a medal or get to join in the celebrations with the rest of his team-mates.Mudryk, 24, is currently suspended from playing after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium while on international duty in November.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSIt has not been made official whether Mudryk’s B-sample was also contaminated but he has not played for them in 2025.However, he turned up unannounced in Wroclaw on the eve of the final.The Ukrainian winger was spotted wearing a club gilet in a steakhouse.His shock appearance even took manager Enzo Maresca by surprise.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMaresca said: “To be honest, I just… Is he here or is he coming? He’s here. I’m happy for Misha to be here.”I don’t know, I just said that. I’m happy for Misha to be here.”Banned Mykhailo Mudryk turns up in Chelsea kit unannounced on eve of Conference League final to shock of clubBut SunSport understands Mudryk made the journey to Poland in order to pick up a medal.He played in six Conference League matches during the league phase before his shock suspension, scoring three goals. However, he was nowehere to be seen after the full-time whistle as Chelsea’s players collected their winner’s medals from Aleksander Ceferin.Mudryk has not played since November 28 after testing positive for a banned substanceCredit: APHe was all smiles in a steakhouse in Wroclaw wearing a Chelsea gilet More

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    Liverpool in race against time to complete £126m Florian Wirtz transfer as Bayer Levekusen double-deal targeted

    LIVERPOOL are in a race against time to seal the £126million record signing of Florian Wirtz before he joins up with Germany.Bayer Leverkusen star Wirtz is due to report for international duty tomorrow ahead of the Nations League semi-final with Portugal next Wednesday.Liverpool are pushing to complete a deal for Florian WirtzCredit: GettyThe attacking midfielder wants a deal agreed before he heads off.But the Germans will not go below their £126m valuation, a British record deal from a foreign club.Leverkusen turned down Liverpool’s opening bid of £86m plus add-ons earlier this week.They want £20m more up front, plus clauses to take it up to £126m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWirtz, 22, is thought to have agreed personal terms on a five-year  deal.Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong flew to the UK on Tuesday for a medical ahead of his own £29.6m move to Anfield.Frimpong has emerged as the chosen man to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield.The boyhood Red played his last game for the club on Sunday ahead of his exit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid in a free transfer, with Los Blancos hoping to finalise the deal before the Club World Cup.The full-back will join former Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso at the Santiago Bernabeu.Frimpong jets into UK with Leverkusen star to complete £30m Liverpool moveAlonso was appointed as the new Real Madrid boss last week.He signed a three-year deal upon his arrival and will officially take control on June 1.Real Madrid face Al-Hilal in their first Club World Cup match next month. More

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    England ace Ella Morris left ‘devastated’ by knee injury sustained five weeks before Women’s Euros

    ENGLAND’S Ella Morris has had her Euros selection hopes shattered by a serious knee injury.The uncapped Lionesses defender, 22, ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee during a training session. Ella Morris will miss England’s three remaining games ahead of the start of the Women’s Euros on July 2 after sustaining an ACL injuryCredit: GettyThe rising Tottenham star has returned to her club to begin working on her recovery weeks after receiving her first senior England call-upCredit: GettyThe injury to the Tottenham player, sustained five weeks before the July 2nd start of the Euros, means she will miss England’s bid to remain the tournament’s champions. Morris, who has returned to her club, will also miss the Lionesses’ Women’s Nations League clashes with Portugal tomorrow and Spain next Tuesday (June 3).The ex-Southampton player, who received her first senior international call-up this month,  has ruptured a knee ligament before at the age of 17. In a post published on her Instagram page, she wrote: “From the highest high to the lowest low.Read More Football Stories”Devastated doesn’t even come close. So grateful for the incredible people around me. ACL round 2 – let’s go.”Earlier today Lionesses support staff said they maintain close contact with the player as she works on her recovery. A statement from the FA said: “Everyone involved with the Lionesses wishes Ella the very best with her recovery.”England’s support team will remain in close contact with her and the club.”Most read in FootballLaura Blindkilde Brown has been called up to Sarina Wiegman’s England squad before their Nations League clashes with Portugal and SpainCredit: GettyFollowing Morris’s injury Manchester City’s Laura Blindkilde Brown, 21, has received her third senior call-upThe midfielder has joined Sarina Wiegman’s 26-player squad at St George’s Park as a replacement for Morris.Wiegman and her players will travel to London tomorrow ahead of their 7:45pm clash with Portugal at Wembley on May 30. More

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    Chelsea ratings: Cole Palmer single-handedly turns final around as Malo Gusto is hauled off after first half horror show

    COLE PALMER delivered two golden moments to dig Chelsea out of trouble and deliver their American owners a first trophy.The Blues were trailing to Abde Ezzalzouli’s shock opener, which set the tone for a terrible first half from Enzo Maresca’s men.Chelsea stars celebrate winning the Conference LeagueCredit: AFPBut after steadying themselves just before the break, Chelsea finally got their act together and turned this final around to truly win it all.Palmer delivered a succulent cross for Enzo Fernandez to flick home a leveller on 66 minutes.Moments later he bamboozled Jesus Rodriguez to turn in behind and cross for Jackson, who tried to head home but converted with his chest.Betis had shown plenty of fight and heart in the first half, but looked incapable of coming back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were killed off by substitute Jadon Sancho, who whipped home a fine curling finish on 83 minutes before Moises Caicedo stretched Chelsea further ahead in injury time.Here is how SunSport rated the Blues…Filip Jorgensen – 6Maresca gave Jorgensen a show of faith by declaring he would start this final, after a season of flip-flopping between the sticks.There was little the goalkeeper could have done about Ezzalzouli’s goal, though he responded with a fine save to deny a fierce Marc Bartra shot minutes later.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFilip Jorgensen was in for Robert Sanchez in goalCredit: GettyMalo Gusto – 3The Frenchman was selected to start ahead of skipper Reece James – a decision Maresca corrected at half-time by hooking Gusto.Gusto gifted the ball to Betis in the build-up to Ezzalzouli’s fine opener, and it was a mistake which seemed to rattle the right-back.Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference finalThere were more mistakes to come, including completely missing a heavy touch by Ezzalzouli which almost cost another goal.Malo Gusto struggled during the first half before being hookedCredit: AlamyTrevoh Chalobah – 6Given how the defender was treated at the start of the season, brutally told to find himself a loan elsewhere, it is remarkable that Chalobah was even here.He took a whack to the face inside the first minute but recovered to put in a solid enough display, growing into the game and showing his ability on the ball.Trevoh Chalobah has established himself at Chelsea since returning from PalaceCredit: GettyBenoit Badiashile – 5Badiashile was replaced early in the second half after picking up a silly booking for complaining to the referee.That was about the only thing of note from his performance, with the Blues struggling to hold back the Betis forwards throughout a ragged first half.Benoit Badiashile challenges Real Betis veteran IscoCredit: AFPMarc Cucurella – 7Everyone had earmarked Antony as Real Betis’ biggest threat going into this final.Given his form, Cucurella was told to stay firmly in position, rather than drifting into midfield as the Spaniard usually does.And he stuck to his task doggedly, restricting Antony to a fringe role in Wroclaw.Marc Cucurella easily dealt with Man Utd loanee AntonyCredit: GettyMoises Caicedo – 7The £115million midfielder struggled to get a grip on the mesmeric Isco throughout a rotten first half.Isco ran rings around the Chelsea midfield, with Caicedo resorting to shoving the Spaniard before wiping him out.Caicedo found his feet after the break to bring some much needed composure and control after the break – key to slowing down Betis and getting Chelsea back into the game.He capped a superb individual season with an instinctive finish from the edge of the box.Moises Caicedo fires home Chelsea’s fourthCredit: Shutterstock EditorialEnzo Fernandez – 7Fernandez was started in the more advanced role ahead of Caicedo, but it took him a bit of time to get going.However, with Chelsea offering precious little quality in the final third it was the man who started the night as captain who delivered. Fernandez’s run behind Bartra was perfectly timed and he met Palmer’s cross with a very well placed header.Fernandez kept going late on, too. The World Cup winner drove at the Betis defence before teeing up Caicedo’s strike.Enzo Fernandez equalised for the BluesCredit: Shutterstock EditorialNoni Madueke – 6Struggled to create too much going forwards, probing with the odd run which did not lead to much.However, given he spent most of the game on the right with either Gusto or James moving into midfield – the winger had a lot on his hands defensively.Noni Madueke didn’t have one of his more lively outingsCredit: GettyCole Palmer – 8The man who rescued Chelsea once again.There may have been a big margin by the end but Palmer’s magic moments which turned this game.Palmer showed some promise early on but there would have been fears from the Chelsea end that he was fading after that – though he dispelled them across five fantastic minutes in the second halfThat was until the England man delivered a sublime cross to get the Blues back into the game.He then followed it up with an even better assist, wonderfully drawing in and rolling Betis sub Jesus Rodriguez before delivering a cross which, despite his best efforts to screw it up, Jackson could not miss.Cole Palmer was in brilliant creative formCredit: EPAPedro Neto – 4The Portuguese winger started out on the right before switching to the left flank, but offered precious little wherever he was playing.There was plenty of hustle and bustle whenever the ball came his way, but nothing in the way of quality before he was replaced just after the hour mark.Pedro Neto wasn’t effective on the wing for ChelseaCredit: ReutersNicolas Jackson – 7This more than made up for the red card at Newcastle.Jackson worked hard throughout a tricky first half for a striker starved of service, continuing to try and get in behind the Betis defence.He was in the right place at the right time, a trait of all good strikers, to bundle in the winner.Jackson should have had one more when clean through on the break but took a heavy touch which allowed Adrian to intervene.Nicolas Jackson fired the Blues into the leadCredit: GettySubstitutesReece James (Gusto, 45’) – 6Added some much needed stability to Chelsea’s right hand side, despite a tricky start to the second half.Chelsea were all over the place when Gusto was on the pitch, but there was none of that after the break.Jadon Sancho (Neto, 61’) – 7Added some spark and pace to the Chelsea attack, which had hardly threatened the Betis back line for the most part.Sancho, whose future is still to be determined, needed a statement to sign off with this season and delivered a fine finish to offer a reminder of why he was in the Champions League final this time last year.Levi Colwill (Badiashile, 61’) – 6The Blues academy graduate was desperate to win his first trophy with the club and will have been disappointedKiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Jackson, 80’) – 7Read More on The SunShowed plenty of energy and endeavour to charge forward and tee up Sancho’s goal – killing off any hopes of a late Betis leveller.Marc Guiu (Palmer, 87’) – n/a More

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    Antony bursts into tears after Conference League final loss to Chelsea as Man Utd flop is comforted by Jadon Sancho

    ANTONY burst into tears after Real Betis suffered defeat in the Conference League final.The Spanish side were ahead at half-time but Chelsea fought back to win 4-1 in Wroclaw, Poland.Antony was in tears at full-timeCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDejected Antony failed to make an impact on the gameCredit: TNT SPORTSAntony and Jadon Sancho shared a hug at full-timeCredit: TNT SPORTSAntony, who is on loan from Manchester United, was seen sobbing at full-time.He sat on the pitch heartbroken only for goalscorer Jadon Sancho to rush over and console him.The two ex-United team-mates embraced in touching scenes.Several Betis stars were also seen crying, including former West Ham duo Adrian and Pablo Fornals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAntony joined the club in January and has become a fans’ favourite in Seville, scoring nine goals in 26 games.But he could not replicate his good form in the final against Chelsea and he lost his temper late in the game.The Brazilian winger picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge on Enzo Fernandez as the pair then squared up to each other and clashed heads.Antony has made it clear he wants to stay at Betis but it is unclear if they can afford to keep him.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMan Utd will reportedly not accept a cut-price deal and they have been paying 16 per cent of his £200,000-a-week salary.After beating Fiorentina in the Conference League semi-final, Betis fans chanted “Antony stay”.’Leaving Man Utd works wonders’ – Fans love Antony’s wild Real Betis celebrations as he goes topless and waves huge flagAnd club legend Joaquin even joked he would help his kidnapping to ensure he does not return to Old Trafford.He said: “I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what.”Jadon Sancho scored Chelsea’s third of the nightCredit: AFPAntony lost his temper and clashed with Enzo Fernandez at the end of the finalCredit: TNT Sports More

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    Antony in moment of madness as Man Utd flop appears to HEADBUTT Enzo Fernandez in Chelsea Conference League final clash

    ANTONY appeared to get away with a headbutt on Enzo Fernandez as Real Betis folded in the Conference League Final.The on-loan Manchester United winger clashed with the Chelsea star in the closing stages of the Blues’ 4-1 win. Antony appeared to throw his head towards Enzo Fernandez in the Conference League FinalCredit: TNT SportThe incident occurred late in Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Real BetisCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAntony was booked but appeared lucky to escape a possible red cardCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe feuding pair went head-to-head in the final stages in PolandCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAntony cut a frustrated figure after the LaLiga side threw away a one-goal advantage in Poland.Fernandez was left on the deck after late challenge as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes, with Antony seen offering him a hand up.The help was rejected, with the Betis winger then leaning down and appearing to throw his head in the direction of the Argentine.Antony was given a yellow card for his part in the fracas that followed. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut VAR did not follow up on the incident, with the 25-year-old escaping further punishment.One fan gasped on X: “Antony headbutting Enzo while his down huh.”Another said: “Antony doesn’t even get a yellow for headbutting Enzo????”While a third added: “That scuffle between Enzo and Antony? I think Antony should have been carded a second yellow for his headbutt.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAntony was sent out on loan to Betis in January after infamously accumulating more yellow cards than goals for United.The Brazilian has found form in Spain, with seven goal contributions in 17 LaLiga games.Real Betis come up with new name for Antony as chant begs Man Utd loanee to stayBut he couldn’t inspire Betis to victory in Poland, where Chelsea turned on the style in the second half. Abde Ezzalzouli had given Betis a deserved half-time lead as the Blues looked sluggish and uninterested.A visibly fuming Enzo Maresca ran the changes at half time, dragging off Malo Gusto. His team took 20 minutes to break Betis down, with Fernandez heading in the equaliser. Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea the lead with a close-range header minutes later.Sublime late strikes from Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo secured the silverware.Read More on The SunAnd Antony cut a disconsolate figure at the final whistle, bursting into tears on the pitch.Several Betis stars were also seen crying, including former West Ham duo Adrian and Pablo Fornals. More

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    Crystal Palace in talks to complete Atletico Madrid star transfer with Ben Chilwell set for Chelsea return

    CRYSTAL PALACE are in talks to sign defender Reinildo Mandava.The Atletico Madrid left-back will be a free agent this summer and is being eyed by Premier League clubs.Reinildo Mandava is in talks over a move to Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyBen Chilwell is unlikely to stay at Selhurst ParkCredit: PAPalace want the Mozambique star as competition for Tyrick Mitchell.Ben Chilwell joined on loan from Chelsea in January but is not expected to stay. Yet Everton and Fulham are also fans of Reinildo.The 31-year-old, previously linked to Barcelona and Manchester United, joined Atletico from Lille in 2022.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has since played 102 times for the club, scoring once and assisting two goals.Reinildo started ten LaLiga and three Champions League matches this season.Palace boss Oliver Glasner wants to wrap up transfer business quickly  having moaned about the time it took to do deals last year.And it is set to be a busy summer at Selhurst Park with them keen to bolster their squad ahead of their first ever Europa League campaign.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Palace risk losing key players like Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.Guehi’s contract expires in a year’s time and Newcastle could reignite their interest after seeing a £70million bid rejected last summer.How Crystal Palace outsmarted Man City in FA Cup finalAs for Eze, he is believed to have a release clause of around £65m and reports have linked him with the likes of Aston Villa and Man Utd. More

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    Real Betis 1 Chelsea 4: Cole Palmer masterclass sees Blues come from behind to win Conference League final

    ENZO MARESCA emerged triumphant from football’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.Chelsea’s boss will enjoy winning the Conference League, his first trophy at the end of his first season in charge and making history.Chelsea have won the Conference LeagueCredit: GettyAbde Ezzalzouli scored the opening goal for Betis within 10 minutesCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez headed home the equaliser from close rangeCredit: ReutersBut he now wants nothing to do with this tinpot competition ever again as he sets his and the club’s sights on much loftier ambitions in the Champions League next season.It’s a notable achievement to become the first club to win all four existing European competitions as Chelsea have now done.Maresca also believes that however minor this third-tier tournament is, he hopes it will ignite the fires for long term success within his youthful squad.But in five years’ time it’s highly unlikely many people will remember the heady night in Poland when the youngest squad in the Premier League this season came of age by coming from behind to see off Real Betis.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe trophy itself will easily masquerade as a waste-paper bin in the manager’s office and time will move on for a club convinced it is on the way back to greatness as it should be after more than £1billion of investment in the squad.Yet it almost wasn’t so. Maresca had to make drastic changes to his team and to the mentality in order to get over the line.His young team was a bag of nerves in the first half and as such went behind inside ten minutes to a team comprised of veterans and cast offs, managed by a bloke exactly the same age as Maresca’s dad.They were run ragged by the sublime skills of Isco, a former Real Madrid great who showed Chelsea what it is to stay cool and calm on a big night.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThey shot themselves in the foot with nervy, slack passing as they struggled to get to grips with the occasion and could have been more than the one goal down they were at half time.But when you play with kids you can win things and they learn quickly.Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference finalNicolas Jackson scored the second for ChelseaCredit: APJadon Sancho fired the third into the top-right cornerCredit: GettyMaresca pulled the plug on right back Malo Gusto at half time, the architect of destruction for the first goal and it brought certainty and surety. He surgically removed Benoit Badiashile and Pedro Neto and Chelsea grew into the game.To the extent that Cole Palmer, who had been taught a lesson in dribbling and poise by the elder statesman of Isco suddenly sprang to life with vigour and confidence instead of being an interested spectator.Two goals in five minutes, the 65th and 70th, saw Chelsea come roaring back and both were teed up by Palmer from the right hand side.The first was a delicately floated cross that found the head of midfielder Enzo Fernandez who nipped in ahead of defender Marc Bartra and glanced the ball into the back of the net.The Argentinian World Cup winner has been at this club for more than two years and is part of the furniture now. Despite scoring he knew the nerves had been there for all to see and immediately called for calm among the delirious celebrations.But he needn’t have worried because Palmer, who had mustered the only shot on target for Chelsea in a dreadful first half, was in full flow now.A roll of a defender on the edge of the box and he dashed in a cross for Nicolas Jackson to divert the ball past ex-West Ham and Liverpool keeper Adrian.It was a sweet moment for the striker who was drafted back in to the team to redeem himself after getting sent off in a crucial Premier League match at Newcastle earlier this month.He’ll tell you he headed it but it came off his left breast but it counted and from then on it was Betis trying to stem the tide of a rampant Chelsea side suddenly believing in themselves.Sub Jadon Sancho came on to make it 3-1 with seven to go before Moises Caicedo added a fourth for good measure on the stroke of 90.Chelsea have now officially won it, or bought it all depending on your viewpoint. But their squad is priced at around £750 million, more than five times that of their opponents here.Next season instead of Betis it will be Barcelona or Bayern Munich at the other end of the pitch which means it will be considerably harderNot that they didn’t struggle when faced with the first decent team to confront them the entire time. It shows there is still a lot to do.Read More on The SunBut goodbye to Shamrock Rovers, Noah of Armenia and Astana of Kazakhstan, the 15 game, 9,800 mile odyssey to win a competition Chelsea never wanted to be in in the first place has come to a successful conclusion.Oh and good riddance.Reece James lifted the trophyCredit: GettyThe players will be celebrating long into the nightCredit: AFPChelsea have become the first team to win every European trophyCredit: GettyIt was heartbreak for Real BetisCredit: EPAMoises Caicedo sealed the win in added timeCredit: AP More