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    in Soccer

    Alessia Russo willing ‘to suffer’ in Arsenal’s battle Champions League glory with holders Barcelona 

    ALESSIA RUSSO is ready to suffer against Barcelona if this leads to Arsenal lifting Europe’s biggest club prize once more.The chance of playing in Champions League final is a dream the Gunners striker has carried since childhood. Alessia Russo and her team-mates face huge Champions League final test against BarcelonaCredit: GettyThe Gunners receives dozens of messages from well-wishers and fans ahead of their bid to help the club win the contest for a second-timeCredit: GettyBarcelona have been in imperious form in Europe this term and scored eight goals across two games during their semi-final tie against ChelseaCredit: AFPAn ambition she “would have bitten off an arm” to fulfil.The dream Russo, 26, had during her younger years of featuring in a Champions League final is just hours away from coming true.It will be shared with a club who are to date the only English side to have won the women’s contest with their triumph over Swedish outfit Umea 18 years ago. This striker said: “As a little kid, the idea of competing in the Champions League, let alone playing in the final, is something I would have bit an arm off to get. Read More Football Stories “Now it’s coming around, it feels special and we’re just trying to enjoy the build-up and the moment.”I know that (so much) work has been done (by the players and the club) for a long time “Arsenal have been significant in terms of women’s clubs from England in the Champions League and making history in that competition.”We know what we’re coming up against with Barcelona. Their history speaks for itself.”Most read in FootballBarcelona have come a long way since their Champions League debut back in October 20212A match that ended with their 4-0 group stage loss to an Arsenal team then managed by English gaffer Laura HarveyAt 5:00pm today at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, a massive challenge faces Russo, her team-mates and their Dutch coach Renee Slegers.Arsenal hope to become the first team to topple Barcelona in the contest’s decider since Lyon’s triumph three years agoThe ten-time top-flight champs of Spain have won three of the last four finalsTheir journey to this one included a semi-final dismantling of Chelsea with an 8-2 aggregate win. Russo added: “They’ve been there and done it in almost everything. “Knowing that we’re coming up against an absolute world-class team, we have to be at our best, switched on, humble and ready to go”I feel if we weren’t, then we wouldn’t be in the final in the first place.”                                                              The 50,095 capacity ground they will play in, home of Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, has hosted some memorable games in the past.Encounters include Sporting’s 3-1 defeat of Manchester United in August 2003 in the stadium’s inaugural fixture.A friendly in which the trickery of a then 18-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo caught the eye of ex-Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson. A game that proved pivotal in influencing the Scotman’s decision to sign the forward who would go on to become the men’s Champions League’s all-time top scorer. Today Russo wants to create some pivotal moments of her own just as she did during Arsenal’s semis knockout of Lyon last month. “It’s going to be tough and we’re going to have to suffer in moments. Alessia Russo She scored her side’s third goal last as they pulled off a gutsy, second-leg fightback with the tournament’s record winners trounced 4-1 after their 2-1And the striker, who netted seven goals in ten Champions League appearances, this term is willing to suffer to secure the win. Russo added: “We want to leave everything on the pitch.”It’s going to be tough and we’re going to have to suffer in moments. “In games like this you just have to leave absolutely everything out there. I know that sounds cliché but it’s true.”The more you’re playing in these games and dealing with the pressures, the highs and the lows of it all can only help you further down the line.”We (my team-mates and me) talked about the biggest games in our careers.””This is definitely one of them. It’s massive for us all and to be doing it with Arsenal feels really special.”The last clash between the Gunners and their opponents, ended in a heavy 4-0 group stage loss for the London side in December 2021Today the Gunners have the bonus of an ex-Barca star Mariona Caldentey, 29, within their ranks. The Champions League-winning experience of the Spain playmaker, who has lifted the trophy three-times in the past four years, will be crucial. Russo said: “Mariona has got a crazy football brain and I’m sure she’s got some things up her sleeve. “It’s nice to have input from her, not only just because she’s played for Barcelona, but because she’s won the Champions League and the World Cup.”She knows how to win in these important moments.”Arsenal’s last foray in a Champions League final 18 years ago resulted in a triumph over Umea after a two-match tie. The decisive second leg for the team, then managed by former club kitman Vic Akers, ended as a 1-0 win at Boreham Wood with full-back Alex Scott’s strike sealing the victory.It’s a game Russo and her pals have been watching in the run-up to today’s match. The striker adds: “We were watching the highlights a couple of weeks ago of the second leg at Boreham Wood. “It’s crazy to think that was the last time an English club won the Champions League. “I was at an Adidas event with Rachel Yankey (who played in the match) and she reflected on the game. Russo reckons Mariona Caldentey’s experience of winnning the Champions League three times will be important for ArsenalCredit: PA“She recalled (the atmosphere) at Boreham Wood being electric. Read More on The Sun”Rachel said the players wanted to use the crowd massively because our fans are incredible.”I know we’ll have an amazing support out in Lisbon.” More

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    Man Utd have truly hit rock bottom with Europa League final defeat – but it might be best thing that’s happened to them

    THIS sounds weird, but I actually think Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat is the best thing that could have happened to them.You need to hit the bottom, and they truly have bottomed out now.Manchester United’s loss against Spurs sees the club crash at rock bottomCredit: APBruno Fernandes could be among those leaving the club this summerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBut Wednesday’s painful loss could yet be a blessing in disguiseCredit: GettyHad they got into the Champions League next season, they would have spent crazy money just to try and bridge the gap and probably get the recruitment wrong again.Now, they are going to have to spend properly, be diligent and work from the ground up. It could be a blessing in disguise.But this remains a massive summer for Ruben Amorim, Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox – and they have run out of excuses.They know who their manager is, they know how much they have got to spend and they know what the problems are. Now, go and solve them and make it happen.And if they don’t, then you will all look like clowns. It’s pressure, but to me it is a great pressure. The question is whether they can handle it.With this latest round of redundancies, it looks like Ratcliffe’s true colours are on show for all to see now. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe is a very smart businessman, much smarter than me.But in terms of understanding and feeling a football club, he is just off the mark all the time. FIRE SALE at Old Trafford! EVERY Man Utd Star Up for Grabs — Even Mainoo & Garnacho!You talk about having your finger on the pulse – he hasn’t got a clue.I know they are a big club, and to be able to get rid of hundreds of people and still be operating is remarkable, which shows you how bloated they are as an organisation.If you are going to lay people off, do it in the summer, don’t do it now. It’s crazy.You need to hit the bottom, and they truly have bottomed out now.Troy DeeneyNo sense of empathy and shows an element of delusion when it comes to what the average person is going through right now.It is a difficult climate, but ruthless businessmen clearly don’t think about your pennies. They want to get the job done.Would they still have made those cuts had they won the Europa League? Who knows.It was never going to be a barnstormer of a final because of how inconsistent both teams were, and both goalkeepers were competing against each other to see who could be worse.Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…The attitude of those United players stinks too, especially Alejandro Garnacho, who threw his toys out of the pram when he didn’t start the final and claimed he should have played more than 20 minutes off the bench, posting all over Instagram.This kid is talking like he got United to the final all by himself, and that sums up this entire club right now: lots of selfish people putting themselves before others, and look where it has got them.You have every right to be frustrated, but do you think handling it like that is going to get you what you want at the end of it? You’re part of a team.You reckon Amorim is going to stand for that and start playing him more next season? I don’t think so.You talk about having your finger on the pulse – he hasn’t got a clue.Deeney on Sir Jim RatcliffeI remember earlier on in the season, back in February at home to Ipswich, he got taken off because United were down to 10 men and he had a full hissy fit then, storming straight down the tunnel while the game was still going on.He is a very talented kid, but he is as entitled as they come, and if he had a proper dressing room around him, he would have a clip around the ear for that.That wouldn’t be allowed in any of my dressing rooms, or any United dressing rooms of the past, and people should be going up to him and saying: ‘Who are you?’.When he was linked with a £50m move away in January, how many United fans threw their arms in the air desperate to keep him? More

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    Jobe Bellingham ready to step out of brother Jude’s shadow and ‘explode’ for Sunderland in Championship play-off final

    LAST year it was Jude Bellingham enjoying his crowning moment at Wembley Stadium.Now younger brother Jobe is preparing for his own date with destiny under the arch.Jude Bellingham celebrated winning the Champions League a year ago with his brother JobeCredit: RexNow Jobe has the chance to clinch glory at WembleyCredit: GettyIt was on June 1, 2024 that England ace Bellingham, 21, celebrated lifting the Champions League with Real Madrid.Jobe, 19, was at Wembley to watch Jude officially announce himself as a world superstar — and the brothers celebrated together on the pitch afterwards.But, 358 days later, it is the Sunderland star who now has the opportunity to become the first Bellingham to make it to the Premier League.Jude’s path from Birmingham City to Madrid via Dortmund is known up and down the land.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThough it started in the same Brum academy, Jobe is doing things differently.And despite the difficulties of following in his brother’s footsteps, he  is forging his own identity after a brilliant season on Wearside.SunSport columnist Troy Deeney, who knows the Bellingham brothers from his time at St Andrew’s, said: “Jobe is going to be on the biggest stage against a Premier League-worthy team in Sheffield United. Everyone is going to be looking at him.“Maybe this is Jobe’s chance to finally step out of his brother’s shadow. I hope he shows everyone what he is capable of.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“He’s a top, top player. He’s going to be a machine. I was at the play-off semi-final second leg at Coventry and as the game went on he got stronger, not weaker.“They’ve got this thing — Jobe and Jude — where it’s time to dig in and they explode.“He’s tweaked his game a little bit as well this year. He’s gone a bit more defensive.“When he came through at Birmingham, he was a No 10, driving into the box. Now he’s more of a No 8. Breaking up the play, getting box to box, coming up with goals.”The talented teen has been a key part of the Black Cats’ promotion charge, all the while playing in a new role.Jobe, who left Birmingham for the Stadium of Light in 2023, was deployed as a false nine for the majority of his first season and scored seven times.The stats back up how he has become one of the best midfielders in the Championship. With 47 chances created and 78 tackles won, he is making a difference at both ends of the pitch.Jobe is one game away from being the first Bellingham in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPJobe has impressed breaking up play in a deeper midfield roleCredit: Shutterstock EditorialWhile his four goals and three assists are not to be sniffed at either, it is with each passing defensive performance that he is finding his home.Jobe has made 221 recoveries this term to add to the chances he has made, numbers that highlight just how much of a box-to-box man he has become.And this was never more evident than in the two-legged play-off semi-final triumph over Coventry with the eyes of the world on him.He won six aerial duels, made 12 clearances and produced 11 defensive actions — including a tremendous block to deny Haji Wright a late first-leg equaliser.Sunderland legend Michael Bridges, a three-time promotion winner with the club, said: “He’s shown with the position change that he’s a key player in what Regis Le Bris is trying to do, and we are reaping the benefits.“Certain players have an aura of intimidation about them.“I look at Jobe and think he’s got this presence and people are fearful of him because of his engine and quality on the ball.“He’s a coach and manager’s dream because he’s embraced it so much. The world’s his oyster.“I would hate to think he’s going to be living in his brother’s shadow but, unfortunately, that’s the world that we live in.“We’ll ask if he can emulate Jude and who are we to say that he can’t?“He’s got every opportunity as long as he stays injury free and focused on his game and off-the-field antics don’t distract him.”As his admirers continue to grow, it could even be argued his attributes would perfectly complement Jude’s if they ever lined up together in the middle of the park.That could happen one day for England but, for now, Jobe is looking to next month’s European Under-21s Championship.Borussia Dortmund already have eyes on luring another Bellingham to blossom with them in Germany, while even more clubs across the continent will be monitoring his displays over the coming weeks.There seems to be a mounting feeling that no matter what, this weekend’s Wembley showdown could be his last for Sunderland.Read More on The SunHowever, the Black Cats will hope that securing a return to the top flight after eight years could keep him for at least another season.Even with Dortmund in pole position for the £25million-rated star, the prospect of being the first Bellingham to dazzle in the Premier League could just be too tantalising to resist for Jobe.Jobe could follow in his brother’s footsteps and sign for DortmundCredit: PA More

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    in Motorsport

    Lando Norris lifts lid on luxury car collection with ultra-rare £2MILLION Lamborghini and iconic £1million Ferrari

    LANDO NORRIS loves to rip around the streets of Monte Carlo, driving one of his prized cars with the sunroof open.The McLaren driver largely keeps to himself in Monaco — even ordering in food to his apartment to avoid the beady eyes on him.Lando Norris owns a Lamborghini Miura worth £2mCredit: AlamyThe McLaren star boasts an impressive car collectionCredit: Twitter/@McLarenF1He has a customised 765LT Spider in his garageCredit: SuppliedBut the one thing Norris, 25, does not mind showing off is his multi-million collection of luxury motors.The jewel in the crown is his Lamborghini Miura, widely considered the first supercar ever made.Fewer than 800 were built between 1966 and 1973 and it was Norris’ biggest purchase, for around £2million.He said: “I bought it because I watched the Lamborghini movie. It’s a car I loved and thought it was pretty cool.READ MORE IN F1“That was the first decent purchase I made for a car. It’s one of the best-looking cars ever been made.I grew up loving cars. I’m lucky I get to drive them and buy them because I have always dreamed of it.” Norris’ Ferrari F40 has a £1m-plus price tag and is the poster car of the 1980s.But he was seething when someone he has not named borrowed it over New Year — and crashed it in Monaco.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA video of the incident went viral. And asked if the car was back to normal, he replied through gritted teeth: “No. It was when I was away. I wasn’t happy at all.”Norris also owns a McLaren 765LT Spider, P1 and Senna which he has jazzed up with his own tweaks.The £360k Spider has ‘LN’ on the driver’s seat and a stamp on it reads ‘me in a car’. It is finished in blue and yellow to match Norris’ helmet with a British flag inside the door and four yellow stripes to mark his race number.The Brit also owns a £1.1m Porsche Carrera GT in a dark green shade plus a 1972 Fiat 500 Jolly Evocation.The latest in his collection seems to be his new £230k Lamborghini Urus, which he was spotted driving at the Place du Casino in Monaco a few months back.A friend crashed his beloved Ferrari F40Credit: GettyNorris has the keys to a classic Fiat 500Credit: Car and ClassicHe added: “McLarens have been the ones that I’ve spent the most time making and doing special touches on.“I prefer classics and older cars more than modern ones.”Norris admits he is putting his party-boy reputation behind him — he is more likely to spend time playing golf and padel with pal Max Verstappen — as he focuses on becoming world champion.He said: “Sometimes it’s nice to let loose. It’s not something I’ve done this year.“I’m a guy that wants to enjoy my life but I also know the balance of what’s good for me and what’s not.“Nothing takes away from the fact I’ve always prioritised F1 and being the best driver I can be.“I’m a very private guy but sometimes people wait outside my apartment.“That’s probably the least amount of respect someone can have — I find that very weird and awkward.”Norris finished second in Imola last time out and trails team-mate Oscar Piastri by 13 points. But he is currently 11 clear of four-time world champ Verstappen.Read More on The SunNorris said: “I have a lot of respect for Max. He’s looked out for me and we’ve had some fun nights together.”And Norris might just let his hair down if he is victorious in Monaco, saying: “I haven’t had a big night out in Monaco for a long time. It’s a place where everyone dreams of winning so we’ll wait and see.” More

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    Mo Salah made secret pact with Arne Slot before the season that helped Liverpool win Premier League title

    MO SALAH and Arne Slot made the secret pact that took Liverpool to the title and made him Player of the Year.The campaign began with Anfield shrouded in doubts – especially over whether Salah would sign a new deal and how Slot might handle the strain of being Jurgen Klopp’s successor.Mo Salah and Arne Slot made a pact at the start of the seasonCredit: EPABut Salah revealed how he was certain he could make the Dutchman a Prem champ in exchange for a pledge from the new manager.Slot kept his word and so did the Kop’s Egyptian king as he reveals how over a series of discussions between the pair he declared: “I was very honest.“I told him: ‘with me, you are going to win the Premier League but I have to feel really comfortable with the way we play.’“He was very honest with me, we had a few honest conversations and he said to me: ‘OK, I will get the best out of you. I will put you in a situation where you feel comfortable but I need you to provide the numbers’.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLProvide those numbers Salah, just crowned the Football Writers Association’s player of the year for a third time, certainly did.In what became a cruise to the crown he has set a new Prem high for a 38 – game season of 28 goals and 18 assists.He needs two more goal involvements in tomorrow’s last game of the season against Crystal Palace to claim history by overtaking the joint record of 47 held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole set over 42 matches.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhat’s more Salah will spend at least two more seasons with Liverpool having agreed a near – £400,000 a week new deal when he admits that the one pre – season doubt he did have was whether the club would come up with the numbers to make him stay.Most read in FootballPart of his concern was over the fact that owners Fenway Sports Group had always made age a number for older players.Cheeky Mo Salah reveals Liverpool’s Premier League title felt way better without Klopp, Mane and FirminoHe explained: “There is always a time either now or later when it is going to happen (Salah leaving) but I love this club.“I always wanted to stay but I know my value and I was waiting for the club to arrive to the right point where me and the club are both going to be happy so that’s why the contracts took so long.“Based on the club history, because the club treated players of 30 or 31 in different ways I wasn’t clear in my head that I was going to stay 100 percent.”Salah, who has equalled Thierry Henry’s record of three FWA awards, couldn’t be happier with the way it has all worked out for him – and for the former Feyenoord manager.His content is based not only on his own personal pride over what he says was a “crazy season, a crazy year” but also on the warm respect he has developed for Slot.The 32-year-old stresses: “It’s so special, I have a good relationship with him and I am very respectful towards him and his staff because we all work really hard.“At the beginning, we had that conversation, he asked me for stuff he wanted me to do.“I asked him and put me in the positions and situations where I can really provide numbers and our relationship is very good and it’s working well.“And he has improved me, absolutely. Now he will have to deal with me a bit longer!“I’ve always believed there’s always room to improve and I think he did it very well and you see the numbers this year and I feel very happy about it.Salah has been incredible this seasonCredit: ReutersHe is set to win the Premier League Golden Boot yet againCredit: Reuters“I would give him half the credit and the other half to my teammates because they always help me in the situations to give me the ball or be at the right spot so they can pass the ball and I score.”Salah also speaks warmly of the bond he has always had with the fans, even throughout a campaign of questions over whether he would go, or like skipper Virgil van Dijk, also sign on for another two years.He says: “My relationship with the fans, I see it as very special.“They see me as an honest guy and they could see that straight away.“I think that’s why our relationship is special and that’s why they love me. I don’t hide the stuff, I always share.”He has improved me, absolutely. Now he will have to deal with me a bit longer!Mo Salah on Arne SlotHaving picked up the FWA prize at an awards dinner on Thursday night he can now look forward to an even brighter future with Slot – and makes another vow.He says: “One game to go, I broke the record for 38 games so I am going to go fully focused for the last game and hopefully I can get two goals or assists.“So I go again next year to break records again!”There are no doubts for him that he can keep doing so either, even if he turns 33 next month.The daddy of them all throughout Liverpool’s Prem history insists: “People need to realise that in the last five or ten years players start hitting their peak when they are 30 and upwards.“When they have more experience and can manage their emotions and can provide big numbers.Read More on The Sun“Football has changed now, people take care of themselves, if you try to do everything right you are going to play until you decide it’s time to retire.“I said the other day I will probably play until I’m 39, 40 … until the kids tell you: ‘It’s OK, you leave football now and you stay with us!” More

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    Napoli win Serie A LIVE: Conte’s side pip Inter to Scudetto as McTominay and Lukaku score in crucial Cagliari triumph

    NAPOLI have confirmed their status as Serie A champions with a comfortable 2-0 win against Cagliari.Antonio Conte’s side went into the final day with one more point than title rivals Inter Milan, who also won 2-0 at Como on Friday night.Goals from former Manchester United stars Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku was enough for Napoli to claim their second Scudetto in three years as fans inside the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona went wild.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Napoli lift the trophySkipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo lifts the Scudetto as the fans inside the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona go wild for their champions.Queen’s We Are The Champions rings around the stadium as the Napoli players take it in turns to lift the trophy.Copy linkCopiedHere comes RomWhat a contribution this man has made this season!Lukaku is his side’s top goalscorer with 14 and has provided 10 assists, the most in the league.The former Man Utd striker was also on the scoresheet this evening.Copy linkCopiedMcTominay gets great receptionScott McTominay has certainly established himself as a home favourite in Naples.The Scot has made his way to the podium, ready to lift the Scudetto.Copy linkCopiedGilmour presented with medalGilmour was seen sporting dyed blue hair as he was presented with his medal. Copy linkCopiedInter pay tribute to Napoli titleInter have sent a message to Napoli congratulating them on their Serie A win.Taking to social media, the club said: “Congratulations to @sscnapoli for winning the Scudetto.”Copy linkCopiedPlayers are coming outThe Napoli players are now coming out of the tunnel to be presented with their medals.The spotlight is on the blue carpet as the players emerge one by one to their names being called and introduced by the stadium announcer.Copy linkCopiedStars blue lookMany of the players have dyed their hair blue for the trophy presentation.McTominay is among that number.Copy linkCopiedFans have not movedDespite the strangely long wait for the trophy ceremony to begin, fans have not budged an inch while they wait to see their team lift the title.Copy linkCopiedTrophy presentationThe trophy presentation is up next.We have just seen Conte’s press conference with reporters be interrupted by jubilant Napoli stars celebrating the title.The trophy has had the named engraved in it for some time now.And fans have waited patiently to see it lifted and the medals presented.Copy linkCopiedKvaratskhelia gets two titles this seasonWhile tonight is all about the achievement of Napoli, the player who left them in the middle of the season to join PSG, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, has won a second for himself tonight.The winger’s contribution in the first half of the season have earned him a Scudetto medal, while he has also won the Ligue 1 title with PSG.He could top of his campaign by winning the Champions League next weekend.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedSerie A awards confirmedHere are the Serie A Player of the Season awards in full:Player of the Season: Scott McTominayGoalkeeper of the Season: Mile SvilarDefender of the Season: Alessandro BastoniMidfielder of the Season: Tijjani ReijndersAttacker of the Season: Mateu ReteguiUnder-23 Player of the Season: Nico PazCopy linkCopiedMcTominay awarded Player of the SeasonAhead of the trophy ceremony McTominay was presented with the Serie A Player of the Season award with a 96-rated EA Sports FC Player Card.Safe to say it is well deserved considering his and Napoli’s achievements this season.Conte was also handed the Manager of the Season award for taking Napoli from 10th last season to champions.Copy linkCopiedWatch: Scenes in Naples after goalsNapoli fans went wild for McTominay’s goal.Lukaku’s goal was a huge settler for them winning the game.And fans in the city watching on screens made sure to celebrate them appropriately.Copy linkCopiedPictures paint a thousand wordsThey say pictures can paint a thousand words. And the pictures of Napoli fans celebrating their title win don’t need any extra description.Copy linkCopiedAntonio Conte makes historyFormer Chelsea and Tottenham boss was unable to show his enthusiasm by the pitch due to serving a touchline ban. However, he has gone down to the pitch to celebrate winning his TENTH Serie A title.He also becomes the first boss to win the title with three different clubs; Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedMcTominay and Gilmour make Scotland historyBy winning the Serie A, McTominay and Gilmour have become the first Scots to win the title in Italy since Jack Diment and James Squair won it at Juventus in 1905.McTominay was seen in tears at full-time. He was greeted like a hero upon his arrival from Man Utd last summer.And he his heroics on the pitch this season have almost certainly earned him cult hero status in the city.Copy linkCopiedNAPOLI PARTY BEGINS WITH MCTOMINAY IN TEARSThe party will begin in earnest for Napoli as the full-time whistle is blown for them.Fans have lit off flares outside of the stadium which makes for the most stunning of views from the air.McTominay, who got tonight’s first goal and who has been so important all season, was seen in tears on the pitch at full-time.Copy linkCopiedNAPOLI WIN THE SERIE AThe full-time whistle has blown in Como for Inter. Naples is in full voice now with Cagliari going through the motions of seeing out the match.The Napoli staff are preparing to run on to the pitch, with the club’s president now also pitchside.Napoli 2-0 CagliariComo 0-2 Inter FTCopy linkCopiedMinutes away from the end of the seasonWe are now moments away from a historic title victory for Napoli. There are four minutes of injury time to play out before that dream becomes a reality.It will be disappointment for Inter this time around, but they can take heart from an impressive campaign which could yet yield a win in the Champions League final.Inter play just three minutes of injury time against ten-man Como.Napoli 2-0 CagliariComo 0-2 InterCopy linkCopiedNapoli party moodNapoli fans and players are in a party mood at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.The subs bench are waving their arms in the air and the fans are singing their hearts out.It is set to be a second title in three years for the Italian giants.Napoli 2-0 CagliariComo 0-2 InterCopy linkCopiedGoing through the motionsNapoli are in complete control against Cagliari.They don’t need to turn the needle anymore than they already have.Inter are still trying to add some goals to their tally but know whatever they do is not enough as it stands.Napoli 2-0 CagliariComo 0-2 InterCopy linkCopiedLukaku stunning missNeres repays the favour of trying to assist Lukaku with a cross to the far post.The former Everton, Chelsea and Man Utd ace jumps up but the cross is a bit too high for him as he makes contact with his head but cannot guide the ball down towards goal.Napoli 2-0 CagliariComo 0-2 InterCopy linkCopied More

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    Postecoglou drops huge hint over Spurs future in incredible mic-drop moment as 200,000 fans greet Europa League heroes

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU dropped a huge hint he will STAY at Spurs, telling fans: “In all the best TV shows, season three is better than season two.”The Aussie’s future has been in major doubt, with 17th-placed Tottenham a terrible watch in the Premier League.Ange Postecoglou dropped a massive hint over his managerial futureCredit: ReutersHe made the announcement during Spurs’ victory paradeCredit: GettyHe helped the club win their first trophy in 17 yearsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs won the Europa League on Wednesday nightCredit: PASupporters hailed the players as they went past on the busCredit: AlamyBut they were a must-see on Wednesday as they ended their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League with victory over Manchester United in Bilbao.It backed up manager Postecoglou’s bold claim in September that he “always wins trophies in his second season”.And Euro glory could now spare him the sack.Speaking at Spurs’ trophy parade yesterday, he roared: “I told them and they laughed. I told them and they didn’t believe. But here we are.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We’re here because of this unbelievable group of people, players and staff.“Absolute heroes led by the legend Son Heung-min, Cristian Romero, James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario.“All of them, heroes. And they did it all for you, because you deserve it.“This club deserves it. And I’ll leave you with this — all the best television series, season three is better than season two. Thank you.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSChairman Daniel Levy was not seen on the parade bus but did attend the celebrations.He had been expected to axe the Spurs boss, 59, despite their trophy win — but the gaffer’s third-season claim hinted at otherwise.Inside Tottenham’s wild Europa League open-top bus parade as 200,000 fans greet heroesPostecoglou’s mic-drop moment was followed by Brennan Johnson, skipper Son Heung-min and vice-captain James Maddison all turning the air blue in front of around 200,000 fans outside the club’s stadium.This was a party — one described as “insane” by sleep-deprived goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario — that was 34 years in the making.The North Londoners’ previous trophy may have come in 2008 with the League Cup.But their last parade actually took place in 1991 after Gary Lineker, Gary Mabbutt and Gazza clinched the FA Cup.The music was pumping, from football classics like Sweet Caroline to the new fans’ favourite ‘We won it in Bilbao’ to the tune of Shakira’s 2010 World Cup song Waka Waka (This time for Africa).The players, clad in shirts with champions and 25 inscribed on the back and sporting, rather bizarrely, ski goggles, then turned up and the bus got going, flanked by a sea of blue-and-white waving flags and flare smoke.Richarlison was bouncing up and down at the front, Bissouma had his shirt off, Cristian Romero, the Europa League player of the season, was on the beer.Thousands turned out to watch Spurs’ victory paradeCredit: GettyThe players toured North London on two team busesCredit: AlamySon, who won a first trophy in his tenth year at the club, told the crowd: “I f**ing love you, we f***ing won the Europa League and you all deserve it.”Johnson said the feeling of scoring the only goal in the final was “f***ing unbelievable”.While Maddison pointed out with an expletive that it was his mate Johnson’s 24th birthday yesterday.And the Wales star added: “It’s definitely up there (with birthdays), I can’t think of many better! An unbelievable day.”Defender Micky van de Ven added: “If you experience this, you want to do it over and over again.The celebration continued on to a stage outside the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyIt is believed 150,000 people turned up to cheer on their heroesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial“We’re going to try to do the same beautiful things next season.”Postecoglou is also set for a stunning £2million bonus after winning the Europa League.And fans have had a mixed reaction to his mic drop moment on social media.One posted: “Dude, it better be. We almost got relegated.”A second wrote: “Levy needs to back him.”A third commented: “I’m no longer Ange out! Bring on season 3.”Read More on The SunA fourth said: “He’s dragged me back in.”Another added: “Man doesn’t just drop mics, he beats his haters over the head with it.”Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players… More

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    Scott McTominay sparks wild Napoli Serie A title party with epic BICYCLE KICK… despite not good enough for Man Utd

    SCOTT MCTOMINAY’s outrageous bicycle kick started a wild title party in Naples.The Scot’s first-half acrobatics raised the roof at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona as the hosts saw off Cagliari 2-0 to clinch the Serie A crown in a final day shootout with Inter.Scott McTominay opened the scoring as Napoli sealed the Serie A titleCredit: GettyThe Man Utd reject netted with a brilliant scissor kickCredit: ReutersThe flares were out in Naples as Romelu Lukaku doubled the hosts’ leadCredit: ReutersThe 2-0 win secured Napoli’s second title in three yearsCredit: ReutersMcTominay was spotted in tears at the final whistle after being mobbed by teammatesCredit: TNT SportMcTominay and Co knew three points would secure just a second title since 1990. After back-to-back draws, there were nerves in Naples ahead of kick-off against mid-table Cagliari.Inter Milan faced off with Como and were the only team that could catch Napoli, should they drop points. Napoli dominated the first half, coming close through Leonardo Spinazzola and Billy Gilmour. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd it was Manchester United outcast McTominay who would break the deadlock – in stunning fashion.Ghosting into the box, the Scot checked his run on the penalty spot to connect first time with Matteo Politano’s cross.McTominay rifled in a brilliant scissor-kick past Cagliari keeper Alen Sherri.The 28-year-old’s goal sparked wild celebrations in the terraces and across the south Italian city.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnother former Red Devil Romelu Lukaku doubled the lead just after the break to get the party truly started. McTominay was spotted in tears at the final whistle after being mobbed by team-mates. Incredible moment Scott McTominay’s car is mobbed by Napoli fans as punters rush to get glimpse of their heroNapoli lifted a second Serie A crown in three years after a dramatic final dayCredit: APTheir win sparked a massive title party across the cityCredit: ReutersSpeaking after the game McTominay said: “I’m lost for words.”It’s incredible you know, the sacrifice that every single player in the group has put forward to the cause.”And the people deserve it because they’ve been behind us from day one, and for me to come and experience this is a dream.”It has been a stunning turnaround for the Scot, who was deemed surplus to requirements by United chiefs just 12 months ago.McTominay joined Napoli for £25million last summer – a deal which now looks like a bargain. And boss Antonio Conte has employed him in a more attacking role, flourishing in the final third.The United outcast has bagged 12 goals in 34 Serie A matches, chipping in with 4 assists.Following Friday’s game, he was named Serie A’s Player of the Season.It marks the end of a dream season for McTominay who has cemented himself a fan favourite in Naples.He became the side’s main man and passionate supporters quickly found a variety of ways to honour their Scottish import – from Maradona-style shrines to tattoos, flags and even kilts.AC Milan legend Joe Jordan recently told SunSport that McTominay could ultimately prove to be Serie A’s greatest EVER Brit. Antonio Conte has now won five Serie A titles as a managerCredit: EPAJordan told SunSport: “I would say Scott McTominay has made much more of an impact in Italy than I did in my first season.“He’s already much more popular than I ever was.”I got on well with the Milan fans but it took me a bit of time to settle down to the Italian game. “Since his introduction the Napoli supporters have taken to Scott right away.“He has done exceptionally well, in a team that is consistently winning.Read More on The SunThey love him in Naples and I know what the Napolitani, are like, they’re incredible fans, absolutely fanatical about their club and their heroes. “In Naples, they only support one team and that’s Napoli.” More