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    Gary Lineker shrugs off Match of the Day exit with ‘spectacular’ podcast profit as BBC host’s company makes millions

    GARY LINEKER won’t be counting the pennies after his departure from Match of the Day following a massive financial windfall.The 64-year-old’s iconic run as presenter of the flagship BBC show will come to an end at the end of the season.Gary Lineker will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe 64-year-old has been preparing for life without MOTD by setting up a podcasting companyCredit: YOUTUBE@THERESTISFOOTBALLLineker’s Goalhanger Podcasts company made a massive profit last yearCredit: BBCLineker, however, will continue with the broadcaster until the summer of 2026.The former Everton and England star has seemingly been preparing for life after the show for the last few years.One post-MOTD preparation has been getting into the world of podcasting, starting up the much-loved The Rest is Football podcast.But he’s also set up his own podcasting company Goalhanger Podcasts, which has had a litany of shows – including The Rest is Politics and The Rest is History – under its umbrella.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERAnd business is booming for Goalhanger, which raked in a stunning profit last year.Account records filed at Companies House have shown Goalhanger’s earnings for 2024 were a whopping £2.3million.That’s a whopping £1.4m increase from the £590,000 they pocketed in 2023.Goalhanger’s overall financial reserves also grew from £560,000 to £2.7m.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSGary Lineker began presenting Match of the Day back in 1999Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDFootie finance expert Kieran McGuire told The Times: “These figures are spectacular.”Gary Lineker’s eye for a smart business opportunity is as keen as when he was playing football for England and scoring goals.Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voice”This raft of podcasts run by Goalhanger are now among the most popular in the country and all the parties involved have benefited significantly as a result of that.”A Goalhanger spokesman said: “We’re pleased with the continued growth of Goalhanger and the success of our shows.”And we look forward to seeing our network continue to expand.”Lineker’s departure from Match of Day, which was exclusively revealed by The Sun late last year, will come at the end of the 2024/25 season.His exit from the Beeb will take place after the 2026 World Cup final in New York.Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will replace the veteran presenter at the MOTD helm. More

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    Dele Alli takes biggest step yet towards career revival as new club Como say ‘we’re buzzing!’

    COMO sounded as excited as Dele Alli surely must be – as they revealed a huge leap forward for the midfielder’s comeback.The Serie A club had made a tentative first step in January when they signed the ex-Tottenham and England star.Dele Alli has settled in well at Como during trainingCredit: Instagram / @18albertompThe Serie A club were delighted to reveal Alli is in Sunday’s squadNow Como have announced the 28-year-old is in the squad for Sunday’s Italian top-flight clash with Roma – with a debut looming.The club posted a squad sheet with Alli at Number 8 and added the message: “First one for Dele! We’re buzzing, just like you guys…”The former Everton ace last played in February 2023 – on loan for BesiktasAnd when he started training with Como over the New Year their boss, Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas, appeared cautious.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Alli quickly impressed – and it’s thought the contract he penned is until next year, partly linked to appearances and availability.After returning to Everton from his temporary spell in Turkey, his Goodison Park contract expired soon after in June 2023.Injuries put paid to his hopes of a new Prem deal.And in the same summer he opened up on his struggles with a sleeping pill addiction, as well as mental health issues, also revealing he had been sexually abused at the age of six.Most read in FootballAlli has already watched on from the sidelines for ComoCredit: GettyAlli was praised for speaking out over his challenges and trauma.And he has since regained full physical fitness, having struggled to regain the form that saw him win 37 caps from 2015-19 as one of the Three Lions’ bright new hopes.Jamie Carragher and Dele Alli give verdict on Chelsea penalty rowNow there’s a wealth of well-wishers for Alli over his latest attempt to comeback and fulfill more than a glimpse of his potential.One fan responded to Como’s post by saying: “Finally my boy Dele Alli is back.”Dele Alli has not played a professional football match in over two years, with his last appearance coming in February 2023 for Turkish side Besiktas. More

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    Crystal Palace release Jean-Philippe Mateta injury statement as star leaves hospital after ‘severe laceration to ear’

    CRYSTAL PALACE have revealed Jean-Philippe Mateta has been discharged from hospital following his horror injury against Millwall.The Eagles hitman, 27, was on the receiving end of a wild tackle from Liam Roberts in the first half of the tasty FA Cup fifth-round tie.Jean-Philippe Mateta lays stricken on the floor following a horror injuryCredit: GettyFrench striker Mateta was struck by Liam Roberts’ boot in an awful tackleCredit: GettyPalace chairman Steve Parish couldn’t hide his frustrations as he accused The Lions goalkeeper of “endangering” Mateta’s life.But now the club are delighted to reveal their in-form forward has returned home.In a club statement, they said: “We are very pleased to confirm that JP Mateta has this evening been discharged from St George’s Hospital where he received specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear. All scans were clear and JP is feeling well.”He will now rest and recuperate over the following days where his progress will be monitored by our club doctor.Read more Crystal Palace news”Thank you to the medical staff at both Selhurst Park and the hospital for their help and professionalism, and for all the wishes of support that JP and the club have received today.”Just six minutes were on the clock in the South London derby FA Cup fifth-round clash when Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes played a superb long pass up the field.Mateta and Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper tussled for the bouncing ball.But Lions goalkeeper Roberts came rushing out of his box.Most read in FootballThe 30-year-old did appear to win a part of the ball.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starBut he then clattered into Mateta with his stray left boot, catching him in the head with his studs and opening a nasty gash behind the ear of the striker.Ref Michael Oliver initially allowed play to continue with Palace still on the attack but once the shot was headed away, he stopped the game.To start with, Roberts escaped without a red card and was permitted to stay on the field but then Oliver was sent to the pitchside VAR monitor to watch a replay.He decided to overturn his original decision and announced the sending off over the stadium tannoy before brandishing the red card.Mateta stayed down for several minutes as he was treated by the medics on the Selhurst Park pitch while distressed team-mates watched on.After nearly ten minutes on the ground, he was carried off on a stretcher to the corner of the stadium where an ambulance was waiting to take him to hospital.The French striker received oxygen as he was taken away.Speaking at half-time of the match, Palace chief Parish said: “So far what we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. He’s at the hospital so we hope for the best.”There’s a lot of emotion in football but we need to talk about that challenge.”In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it.Mateta was given oxygen as he left the Selhurst Park pitchCredit: GettyAt half-time Steve Parish blasted the challenge in an interview with BBC SportCredit: BBC”I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.” More

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    Ruben Amorim ready to get ‘ruthless’ with Man Utd stars ‘harming the team’ as five in danger of axe

    RUBEN AMORIM is ready to get ruthless in his efforts to make struggling Manchester United a major force once again.The Portuguese boss insists he will be brutally honest with those axed.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim is about to get ruthless at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersCasemiro is one of the high-paid stars that could be facing the chopCredit: ALAMYUnited would love to get Casemiro’s huge wages off the books, sell loaned out Marcus Rashford and Antony for the right price, while even misfiring duo Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee could go.And Amorim, 40, insists he does not flex his muscles for the sake of it — but no one will doubt his ruthless streak when they see it.Ahead of hosting Fulham in the FA Cup, he said: “I don’t like to be like that just to show strength.“If the team is trying, and I understand that they are trying but they cannot do it, I am not ruthless.Read more Man Utd news“But when I feel that it is something which is going to harm the team, then I am quite ruthless.“Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on.“If I know how to explain it, I will do so because I like to be clear.“I was a player and like to use that experience — when you are honest with someone, they can take it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“In the beginning maybe it is hard but they will understand.“I’m quite honest with my players and sometimes they know they have to move on at the end of the season.Ruben Amorim hits back at Roy Keane after Man Utd legend’s explosive Bruno Fernandes rant “We can talk about that in the end — now there are still a lot of games to play. But that is clear and not a difficult situation.”Amorim’s first 16 Premier League games have yielded just five wins – and a whopping eight defeats.He also set the record for the fewest number of matches to reach five home Prem losses in United history after just seven – half the previous record of 14 set by David Moyes.Amorim knows it has not been good enough.Misfiring Rasmus Hojlund is not safe from the Old Trafford axeCredit: ALAMYWhile Joshua Zirkzee could also be deemed surplus to requirementsCredit: ALAMYBut despite the struggling start to life at Old Trafford and poor results so far, he still has the backing of the majority of fans and former United players alike.Speaking to Rio Ferdinand with TNT Sports, Amorim said: “I feel that [people believing in me].”At the same time, I’m embarrassed by that because if you look at our performance and you see our team sometimes on the pitch, it’s really hard for me as a coach to take a lot of positives.” More

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    I’m Premier League star who’s been a fisherman longer than a footballer, I changed position overnight because of Ronaldo

    FULHAM frontman Rodrigo Muniz has been fishing longer than he has been a striker.And the two skills go hand in hand for the Brazilian, who heads for the local lagoon rather than the beach when he goes home.Rodrigo Muniz has a surprise love for fishingCredit: Instagram @r.munizThe Fulham frontman has compared fishing to scoring goals in the Premier LeagueCredit: Instagram @r.munizMuniz spoke to SunSport ahead of facing Man Utd in the FA Cup fifth roundCredit: Darren FletcherMuniz celebrated his winner at Wolves on Tuesday night by pretending to reel in a rod.And ahead of the FA Cup fifth-round trip to Manchester United, he said: “I tried fishing in England… but it was too COLD.“My mum and dad used to go almost every weekend. I loved it and I still do.“You go there, you sit and relax, and when you get the bite from the fish, you feel, ‘This is really exciting’. And you have to take your chance — just like a striker.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMuniz is making a big splash now but dad Alexandre was once the local celebrity in their Brazilian hometown of Sao Domingos do Prata.Factory worker Alexandre had a sideline in Axe — a style of music particularly associated with Carnival season.Muniz Jr, 23, recalled: “Everybody in town would tell me, ‘Your dad is a really great singer’.”But Alexandre was also an avid football fan who coached his son.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMuniz recalled: “When I was eight, Ronaldo came back to Brazil to play for Corinthians. “I remember watching him on the TV and my dad said, ‘Look at the striker, he is the biggest star of the club because he scores goals, the centre of attention’.I experienced the poshest, most exclusive stand in the Premier League and it was like no other“I was a midfielder but the next day I had training and I said to my coach, ‘Now I am a striker.’”Muniz adopted Samba Boys legend Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his idols and, aged 14, moved hundreds of miles from home to join Desportivo Brasil, a club near Sao Paulo.His mum Luzia, a school cook, had to talk him out of leaving after the first week. But the goals soon flowed and continued after he earned a move to the youth set-up of Brazilian giants Flamengo.Muniz had to wait for chances in the senior side because Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa and Pedro were top dogs. But he still attracted attention with his contribution to the club, winning three trophies.Muniz cites Ronaldo as his idolCredit: Getty Images – GettyFulham boss Marco Silva convinced him to choose FulhamCredit: GettyA personal phone call from Fulham boss Marco Silva helped decide his next move. Fellow Brazilian Richarlison had become a Premier League star under the Portuguese at Watford and Everton.Muniz revealed: “Marco Silva said, ‘Look at Richarlison now’, and said he wanted to do not exactly the same with me, but very similar.“I didn’t play a lot in Flamengo but he believed in me. I had offers from Saudi Arabia, Atletico Madrid and other clubs.“But Marco really wanted me to play for him and, after that call, I decided to go to Fulham.”The patience Muniz learned from fishing stood him in good stead once more.In his first season in England, 2021-22, he watched and learned from Aleksandar Mitrovic as the Serb banged in the goals that earned Fulham promotion from the Championship.In his second season, Muniz had an underwhelming loan at Middlesbrough. But midway through last season, everything clicked.Muniz is a devout Christian and he said: “Fishing helped me but what helped me more was the Bible, because there are a lot of examples in there of patience.“When I was in Flamengo, I told myself, ‘Now it is Pedro and Gabigol time, my time is coming’. When my time arrived, I scored goals and came here. My third season in England was really good… it was my time.”Muniz scored eight goals in eight league games in February and March 2024 — and became the first Fulham player for 14 years to be named Premier League Player of the Month.He wept when Brazilian team-mates Willian and Andreas Pereira presented him with the trophy.And on Boxing Day last year, Muniz moved Fulham fans to tears by scoring the stoppage-time winner that earned their first victory over neighbours Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 1979.He revealed: “A woman came up to me and said, ‘I was here when we won 45 years ago and I am here now, thank you so much.’  Then she started crying. I felt really happy.”Muniz has had to be patient again for much of this season with in-form Raul Jimenez being Silva’s first-choice frontman.But Muniz started at Wolves on Tuesday and scored a sumptuous winner in the 2-1 victory.His last three league goals have all been decisive in 2-1 victories — with that strike at Chelsea and at Newcastle last month — and has also scored three times in Fulham’s two FA Cup wins against Watford and Wigan. In the fifth-round Red Devils clash, Silva’s side will try to repeat last season’s 2-1 league win which was the club’s first triumph at Old Trafford for 21 years.Muniz loves a big stage, having already scored at Anfield, the Etihad, Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park this season.And he once struck twice for Flamengo at the legendary Maracana Stadium, including a bicycle kick.Muniz said: “I feel much better than last season. I have more confidence, even though I have not played a lot, and I am in the best shape since I came here.“I was 20-years-old when I scored that goal in the Maracana.“If I can score any goal at Old Trafford I will be very happy.  But if it happens like in the Maracana it will be even better.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe highlight of Muniz’s fishing career was landing a massive “tambaqui” back home a couple of years ago.But reeling in fallen giants United would be his biggest catch yet in England.Muniz scored in the 2-1 win over Wolves on TuesdayCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Next Diletta Leotta’ sends pulses racing with busty display all in red as fans call DAZN presenter a ‘fairy tale’

    ELEONORA INCARDONA saw red for vibrant conduct as the colourful TV presenter dazzled fans yet again.The DAZN host oversaw coverage of second-placed Napoli against leaders Inter Milan in Serie A.Eleonora Incardona was in Naples for a huge clashCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaShe flashed a brolly despite little sign of rainCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaEleonora has been dating Torino ace Samuele RicciCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaOne fan called her scarlet look ‘breathtaking and enchantingCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaBoyfriend Ricci has six Italy caps and was once linked with ArsenalCredit: GettyShe shared pitchside snaps of herself in a crimson skirt-and-jacket suit, with a matching red top underneath.And her 1.1million Instagram followers appeared to believe her display was a bright as the dramatic 1-1 draw on the field.Incardona is dating Torino’s Italy midfielder Samuele Ricci.And although she might be impartial as a broadcaster, her army of admirers have no such worries in sharing their adoration for the 35-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan called her a “fairy tale” while another went with “Red Queen”.And she’s regularly described as the “next Diletta Leotta” – a reference to her fellow DAZN presenter.But Leotta had one eye on the German second tier this weekend rather than the Italian top flight.That’s because she was in the stands at Schalke as her husband, ex-Liverpool keeper Loris Karius, made his debut for the fallen giants – after 371 days without playing a single game.Most read in FootballLeotta has 9.1m Instagram admirers – but Incardona’s rise cannot be dismissed, even if she did show red to her fans.One follower said the Italian was “breathtaking and enchanting”.Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast Another told her: “You are simply divine, gorgeous Eleonora.”Meanwhile, there was also a fairy tale on the pitch – in the finale.Federico Dimarco curled a brilliant free-kick opener for Inter.But after ex-Manchester United stars Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay almost levelled, on-loan Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing finally slotted a late equaliser.Billing might not have been in the red of the Cherries – but off the field Incardona more than made up for that.A glimpse into the life of the social media hit… Eleonora shows off her trendy side hereCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaEleonora is in a romance with an Italian footballerCredit: InstagramTorino star Samuele Ricci and Eleonora went public in 2024Credit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaEleonora was once engaged to Diletta Leotta’s stepbrotherCredit: Instagram More

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    Wolves star Matheus Cunha could face huge ban as Bournemouth fume at ‘punch, kick and headbutt’ red card rampage

    BOURNEMOUTH boss Andoni Iraola was furious after Matheus Cunha’s “punch, kick and headbutt” assault on Milos Kerkez led to an FA Cup ban for HIS defender.Wolves star Cunha saw red for violent conduct in extra-time of the 5-4 Cherries shootout win — but Kerkez was also booked in the confrontation.Matheus Cunha headbutted Milos Kerkez in a moment of madnessCredit: RexThe Wolves star ‘hit, kicked and headbutted’ the Bournemouth left-backCredit: GettyCunha was shown a straight red cardCredit: RexFuming Cunha had to be held back by staff and team-matesCredit: GettyAndoni Iraola was unhappy over Kerkez being punishedCredit: RexHis second yellow of the competition means  he is banned for the quarter-final.Iraola said: “Kerkez got a yellow for ‘adopting an aggressive attitude’ but after what they did to Milos, they should reward him.“They punched him, kicked him on the floor and headbutted him and he didn’t react. And yet they punish him. “As a player I would not have reacted like he did.READ MORE WOLVES NEWS“He will not play the quarter-finals, probably the most important game of the season. I am very disappointed.”Cunha, who had earlier scored a brilliant equaliser for Wolves, had to be restrained by club staff.The Brazilian served a retrospective two-match ban earlier this season after a confrontation with an Ipswich steward.The FA said that offence would not automatically increase the three-match suspension for the latest Kerkez clash.Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCunha ripped off an Ipswich steward’s glasses earlier this season as his temper flared againCredit: GettyBut Cunha could still get a longer ban due to the shocking nature of the offence.And if referee Sam Barrott reports him for his actions after the red card, it would lead to another misconduct charge, adding to the disciplinary rap-sheet, and bring a further punishment, likely to be at least one extra match.Cunha had to be pulled off the pitch by Wolves’ substitutes and coaching team after refusing to leave when he was shown the red card.Wolves boss Vitor Pereira claimed he had not seen the incident but would not be speaking to Cunha immediately.Pereira said: “If I have a problem with my wife, I say, ‘In this moment I am nervous, you are nervous, it is better to sleep and speak tomorrow’.“In football it is impossible to go into a dressing room with everyone tired and frustrated and to start speaking.“After one day, when we are calm we speak together. The emotional side was very high. There was a lot of pressure.“It should not happen, but this is something that happens in football and we must deal with it.”Luis Sinisterra scored the winning spot-kick to seal the shootout win following a 1-1 draw which saw an 8min 11sec VAR review to rule out Kerkez’s first-half “goal” after the new Semi-Automated Offside Technology FAILED.Pereira confirmed that Cunha would have taken the fifth penalty if he had not been sent off.Instead, Matt Doherty fired wide from the spot when he had the chance to win it.READ MORE SUN STORIESBournemouth captain Lewis Cook then took the shootout into sudden death before Boubacar Traore’s kick hit the bar.The Cherries are into the quarter-finals for only the third time in their history.Manager Vitor Pereira said he will speak to the player when things have settled downCredit: ReutersCunha could be slapped with a lengthy banCredit: Getty More

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    Inside notorious ‘meat market’ Milan club where Kyle Walker ended up with two brunettes ‘who looked like wife Annie’

    THE young dark-haired Italian woman squeezed her ample cleavage together and poured a shot of Don Julio tequila down the crevice.Her scantily clad pal, wearing a tight fitting and sparkly mini dress, crouched in front of her and lapped up every last drop of the high end booze as it dripped down her front.A dark-haired woman carries a sparkler on the dance floor of notorious night club Tocqueville 13A scantily-dressed woman carries alcohol with a bottle sparklerKyle Walker was pictured leaving Tocqueville 13, Milan’s hedonistic late night hot spot with two brunettesCredit: BackGridWalker treated the women to the club’s £5,000 Super VIP extravaganceCredit: BackGridReggaeton music boomed in the background as hundreds of revellers took to the dance floor.Welcome to Tocqueville 13, Milan’s hedonistic late night hot spot where the city’s wealthy footballers flock.This is the club where England and Man City footballer Kyle Walker ended up in the early hours of last Wednesday with two brunette women – described as lookalikes of his wife Annie.It’s 25 Euros entry for men and 10 Euros cheaper for women, so as to attract more of the fairer sex to the venue.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERThe nightclub has built a reputation as a “meat-market” – a place where men are on the hunt for women.And as I survey the dance floor, it’s easy to see how men can find a suitor amid the thick fog machine haze that fills the air.The club’s Instagram page is crammed with images of scantily clad women writhing on the dance floor, and DJs spinning hip-hop, reggaeton and afrobeat music.The venue itself, which is spread over two floors and closes at 5am, has built a reputation for hedonistic late night partying.Most read in FootballOn social media revellers can be seen crossing the dance floor waving magnum bottles of Moet & Chandon champagne or Don Julio tequila, with bottle sparklers attached.A nightclub source told Sun Online: “Tocqueville 13 is notorious for footballers, basketballers and wealthy Milano men because it’s filled with hot women. Kyle Walker’s football agent at centre of drugs raid as cops uncover over 90 cannabis plants DAYS after AC Milan deal“Men can go there and splash their cash and are sure to end up with a woman on their arm.“The club doesn’t open until 11.30pm so is very much a late night spot and by the time it closes the sun is coming up.”And if you buy a table you are almost guaranteed to be surrounded by attractive young women.”The club has a “VIP Privè” area where a table and a premium bottle of booze can cost up to 1,500 (£1,237) Euros based on where you want to sit.According to the VIP menu the most expensive bottle of champagne available is a giant three litre Dom Perignon Luminous Jeroboam at 7,000 Euros (£5,774) or a six litre Moët & Chandon Mathusalem Bright Light at 3,000 Euros (£2,474).And to add a little excitement to your night, revellers can snap up a 1.75 litre bottle of Case Azul Reposado Tequila for 2,000 Euros (£1,649).Kyle, 34, was seen with his arm around one of the dark-haired womenCredit: BackGridThe nightclub has built a reputation as a ‘meat-market’ – a place where men are on the hunt for womenMen can go there and splash their cash and are sure to end up with a woman on their arm, a source revealedThe club doesn’t open until 11.30pm so is very much a late night spotCredit: BackGrid More