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    Inside Arsenal’s season-defining winter break to Dubai with team-bonding sessions, Saka return and 15-year-old in squad

    FORGET Newcastle. Forget Wembley – Mikel Arteta hopes a trip to Dubai will yet again do the trick for Arsenal.Still licking their wounds from a St James’ Park mauling in the Carabao Cup semi-finals the night before, the Gunners boarded a plane on Thursday morning for more mid-season winter sun.Arsenal are heading back to Dubai on their latest mid-season training campCredit: GettyThe Gunners have used the trip to get their season back on track in the pastCredit: GettyThey will train at the Nad Al Sheba Training CentreCredit: GettyThe team headed out following the Carabao Cup exit to NewcastleCredit: www.arsenal.comThe players appeared in good spirits despite the disappointing defeatCredit: www.arsenal.comBukayo Saka has joined the travelling party as he eyes a returnCredit: www.arsenal.comIt has become a tradition of recent years for Arteta to take his squad to the Middle East – helped by early exits in the FA Cup – to recharge the batteries after a gruelling festive period and prepare for the final push.Last season – following a run of one win in seven in all competitions from December 9, 2023 to January 7, 2024 – Arsenal jetted off to Dubai for some much-needed soul-searching and vitamin D.They ended that campaign with 16 wins from their final 18 Premier League games, pipped to the title on the final day by Manchester City.This term fits the narrative too, Arsenal beginning 2025 with one win in five in all competitions and have been knocked out of two cups before February has really got going.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEleven games in 36 days has left the squad on its knees.When the group touch back down in London on Tuesday, a flick needs to be switched if they are to go one better in the Prem and chase down Liverpool’s six-point lead having played a game more than the Reds.Perfection will also be needed to go further than the last 16 in the Champions League next month, a tough ask from a paper-thin squad following Arsenal’s failure to recruit a forward in January.Arteta likes consistency and familiarity in these Dubai trips, so Arsenal will be at the same training centre as last year – the Nad Al Sheba (NAS) sports complex.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt is a regular spot for Prem players during the off-season as well as for intense rehab sessions, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba and Tyrone Mings.Arsenal’s sessions will involve high-intensity bursts and individual muscular conditioning programmes in average temperatures ranging from 22 to 27 degrees.Arsenal vs NewcastleIt also gives a chance for injured players to step up their rehab – crocked duo Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Ben White (knee) will be on the trip with returns expected within the next month.Arsenal usually stay in hotels near the famous Dubai Palm, with club officials previously raving over having everything at their doorstep away from training, including shopping malls and restaurants.Arteta recently explained: “Of course we will have to modify [the trip]. There are a lot of things that will be very similar. Location, where we are staying, where we train.“But we are going at a different moment of the season, different numbers, probably the team needs a different stimulus, so we are preparing a few things.“Hopefully it will work like it has the last few times.”Families and close friends will be allowed to mix with the group throughout the camp. Last year, Arteta organised a BBQ for the group and staff as a bonding session.The NAS complex has been used by some of world’s top athletesCredit: Instagram / nas_scMarcus Rashford headed there to keep sharpArsenal have gone to Dubai in each of the last few seasonsCredit: Instagram / nas_scThe trip will be very similar from previous yearsCredit: Instagram / nas_scDiogo Dalot made use of the extensive gymCredit: Instagram / nas_scJadon Sancho honed his boxing skills on his visitCredit: Instagram / nas_scNovak Djokovic proved it is suitable for any sports starCredit: Instagram / nas_scThere is a running track around one of the Fifa-level pitchesCredit: Instagram / nas_scArteta also likes to integrate academy players in the training squad. Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, used the 2024 trip well, and is now a regular first-team player.This time around, highly-rated 15-year-old Max Dowman and 16-year-old keeper Jack Porter – who made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup third round against Bolton – have been included.Most importantly, Arteta needs to keep his players fit, especially Kai Havertz – the German international is the club’s only fit centre forward at the club with Gabriel Jesus out for the rest of the season with an ACL rupture.However, there are now concerns over Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger has had an MRI scan on his right hamstring after hobbling off in the first half of their 2-0 Toon defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIESBack in November, Arteta admitted he had no idea why Dubai has such a positive impact on his squad, and joked if Las Vegas produced the same results, he would send his players there.The Middle East roulette wheel has been spun once more. Where will it land this time?Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Raheem Sterling is making his first winter training camp trip with ArsenalCredit: www.arsenal.comMax Dowman is heading to the Middle East at just 15Credit: GettyJack Porter, 16, made his first-team debut against Bolton earlier this seasonCredit: GettyDeclan Rice was at the thick of the fun in 2024Credit: GettyYoungsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri go this year as first-team regularsCredit: www.arsenal.comLewis-Skelly in action during the December 2022 visitCredit: GettyThe warm weather provides a welcome change from the British winterCredit: GettyThe NAS complex has all the facilities needed for the GunnersCredit: GettyMikel Arteta will hope it can provide a timely boostCredit: GettyWorkouts can be done out in the sunshineCredit: GettyBen White will hope he can use the few days in Dubai as part of his rehabCredit: Getty More

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    Wembley glory win will be nice… but Newcastle need Champions League to keep £150m Alexander Isak from Arsenal and Co

    A WEMBLEY CUP triumph will be nice – but it’s Champions League football that Newcastle need to hang on to Alexander Isak long-term.The Swedish superstar showed long-term suitors Arsenal once again exactly what he can do as he helped fire the Magpies to a second Carabao Cup final in three seasons.Eddie Howe is desperate to bring the first trophy to Tyneside in 70 yearsCredit: RexBut the Toon manager will be more eager to hang onto Alexsander IsakCredit: GettyIsak, 25, tormented Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba from the first whistle on what proved to be a famous night at St James’ Park.Although he failed to add to his 19 goal haul this term, the forward was at his majestic best as the Magpies won 2-0 to seal a 4-0 aggregate victory over the Gunners.That booked them another date under the arch and provided Isak with an opportunity to achieve legendary status on Tyneside in the final next month.It’s been 70 years since the club last won a major cup, and if he can score the winner at Wembley, don’t bet against a statue of him being resurrected outside SJP.Medals and glory are what every kid dreamed of growing up – but it is regular Champions League football that elite players now need.Isak, of course, has had a taste of that already on Tyneside but the club know they need to return there to stave off interest from the likes of Arsenal and Europe’s top dogs.It’s where the big boys play and the big bucks are paid out.Understandably, fans are starting to get ultra defensive whenever the prospect of his potential departure is brought up.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEspecially when Arsenal’s name gets thrown into the conversation.Isak has been continually linked with a move to their Premier League rivals despite being under contract until 2028, a date that leaves Newcastle chiefs quite relaxed about his situation.Arsenal fans will have watched Carabao Cup disaster and wished Alexander Isak was playing for them – he’s unbelievableSun Sport understands that Isak still remains one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets, and that they will try to go all out to try and get him… even if it costs them the reported £150m price tag.He is already one of the top earners at Newcastle on £130,000-a-week as well.Isak, a club-record £63m buy from Real Sociedad in 2022, has earned every penny of those wages with his performances on the pitch.Last season he became the first Toon star since Alan Shearer two decades ago to hit 20 Premier League goals.Even finally ending that long trophy-drought may not quite be enough for Isak.And after a slow start to this season he has rediscovered his top form with his recent eight-game scoring run in the Prem.Although tentative talks over an improved deal may have stalled, they are set to resume in the summer, but it is unlikely to just be the money on offer that proves crucial.And even finally ending that long trophy-drought may not quite be enough for Isak.During a recent interview with Toon’s all-time top marksman Shearer he did little to dampen talk of a potential big-money transfer.When Super Al brought up Erling Haaland’s recent new nine-year deal and asked what was next for Isak, the Magpies ace vaguely replied: “We’ll see. You never know.”Isak has scored 17 goals and counting this seasonCredit: ReutersIsak still remains one of Mikel Arteta’s top targetsCredit: ReutersBut if Newcastle can build on their cup run and secure a top four finish then that could be pivotal… if not then the speculation won’t go away.And it’s fair to say that his manager Eddie Howe would not be the only one devastated to see Isak leave – even if it was for mega money.The Toon Army have always loved No9s, from Jackie Milburn and Malcolm Macdonald to the likes of Andy Cole and Shearer in more recent times.However, Isak is a little different, producing magic with 14 on his back, and he is in no rush to follow in the footsteps of those greats named above.Every top star now wants to play their best on the biggest stage – the Champions League.He said: “Many great players have had the No14. You had [David] Ginola from Newcastle and when I signed, out of the numbers that were available, I think that No14 was the most iconic.“I’m doing well, I’m happy with 14. But, on the other hand, I know the number nine is a special shirt for the fans.”It was not even out-and-out strikers that Isak grew up idolising either.Spain’s LaLiga was the most-covered football during his childhood years, and that meant it was Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo that he tried to emulate.And even now, despite his ruthlessness in front of goal, he has a lot more to his game than just sticking the ball in the onion bag.Isak told Alan Shearer that he and his team-mates want to be back in the Champions League next seasonCredit: ReutersHe explained: “I was more into dribbling, skills… I liked the street football style.“That’s the player I want to be and enjoy my football out there. That’s when I think that I play my best.”And every top star now wants to play their best on the biggest stage – the Champions League.Isak even admitted as much himself at the end of 2024, saying: “The whole team are very ambitious. We played Champions League last year and it is in our mind to get back there.“It is a long way to go until the end of the season so I don’t think we should be looking too much at the table.“The ambition of the team is of course to get in Europe again. We just need to take one game at a time.”ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over. More

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    Kyle Walker’s ex Lauryn Goodman moving to Italy NEXT WEEK with their kids to be closer to footballer amid marriage woes

    LAURYN Goodman and her children are moving to Italy to be closer to England ace Kyle Walker amid his marriage woes, The Sun can reveal.Influencer Lauryn, 34, is set to move closer to ex as she packs up boxes for her big move.Lauryn Goodman has decided to quit the UK to be closer to Kyle Walker in ItalyCredit: BackGridLauryn is set to move closer to her ex as she packs up boxes for her big moveCredit: BackGridLauryn pictured with her two kidsCredit: SplashManchester City’s English defender Kyle Walker with wife Annie KilnerCredit: AFP or LicensorsShe’s quitting the UK after his switch to AC Milan.His marriage to Annie Kilner is now facing a fresh roadblock as his ex Lauryn plans to fly to Italy within days.A source said: “Lauryn wants to be as accommodating as she can. She always wants to do the best for her children.”Photos show a beaming Lauryn climbing out of a removal van outside her home.READ MORE ON LAURYNIt comes after the influencer asked Kyle, 34, for permission to rent out the home he bought for them.She initially fancied Dubai as her new home for a year, but has now decided Italy is a better option given Kyle’s career move.The source continued: “Lauryn was happy when Kyle signed for Italy as Saudi would’ve been a bit too far and would feel more final, but Italy was a stone’s throw away.”It felt a lot closer than her commute to Cheshire with how busy the roads can be.Most read in Football”Italy is much more aesthetically pleasing.”Lauryn is excited for new adventures with her children.”‘People need to get over it’ Lauryn Goodman addresses controversial necklace as she threatens to make it bigger if people keep asking her about itLauryn became pregnant with Kairo while Kyle was on a break from childhood sweetheart Annie in 2019.Kyle later got back together with Annie before they married in 2021.But he and Lauryn stayed in touch and briefly rekindled their relationship.Their daughter Kinara was conceived in October 2022 while the footballer was in London for treatment for a groin injury.In December 2023 Lauryn told Annie, who was pregnant at the time, that the little girl was Kyle’s child.It had been hoped Italy was the fresh start the footballing ace needed.It came after Kyle refused to sign over half his fortune to Annie at a round table meeting after Christmas where they went to discuss a final settlement.Now it’s believed Kyle and estranged wife Annie are barely on speaking terms.Pals recently told The Sun they were sleeping in separate rooms.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former Manchester City captain packed his bags for AC Milan in the winter transfer window.The Sun has contacted Lauryn’s representative for comment.The mum is looking forward to a new life abroad after getting permission from Kyle to rent out her homeCredit: BackGridShe looked in good spirits while chatting the removal menCredit: BackGridKyle and Annie are said to be on bad termsCredit: Getty – ContributorKyle has been transferred on loan from Man City to AC MilanCredit: Getty More

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    Meet Tottenham new boy Mathys Tel’s beauty queen Wag who was crowned Miss France and starred at Miss Universe contest

    MATHYS TEL ended up being one of the most exciting transfers of the January window.The French striker moved to Spurs from Bayern Munich on a loan move.Mathys Tel’s reported girlfriend Indira Ampiot is a former Miss Universe contestCredit: GettyStunning Indira shows off her enviable figure that saw her represent France at the beauty pageantCredit: GettyBeautiful Indira stands at an Amazonian 5ft 10 in tallCredit: Instagram @indira.ampiotThe French striker, 19, completed a deadline-day loan move from Bayern Munich to Spurs, who hold a £45million option to sign him permanently.New signing Tel has been tipped to be a huge success in North London, after being likened to stars like Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka.Watching events closely will be Tel’s stunning girlfriend, Indira Ampiot.The 20-year-old, what stands at an Amazonian 5ft 10in, starred in Miss Universe 2024, after she was crowned Miss France a year earlier.Read more football newsHowever, their romance is in its early days – having just gone public with their relationship last December.Let SunSport tell you a little bit more about the Premier League latest Wag.She’s a beauty pageant stalwartIndira is, somewhat, of a beauty pageant veteran.Her background is far from that world – growing up with a dad who owns a communications and marketing agency, and mum who works in the social security sectorMost read in FootballShe began her modelling career in 2022, but she has already represented two countries in that short time.After winning Miss Basse-Terre, the sultry beauty would take on the title of Miss Guadeloupe.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsA year later, she was crowned Miss France – representing the Caribbean island in the competition.Indira became the fourth woman from Guadeloupe to win the competition.And it came with its perks too.She won a number of prizes and rewards, including gifts from sponsors, a year-long residence in a luxury Paris apartment, and an undisclosed monthly salary the equivalent of a senior executive in France.Last November, Indira represented France at Miss Universe 2024.She finished in the top 30 in the pageant that included a record 125 countries.In 2023, Indira was crowned Miss FranceCredit: GettyA year later, Indira put her best foot forward to dazzle at Miss UniverseCredit: GettyIndira won numerous prizes and was given several perks after winning Miss FranceCredit: GettyThe Guadeloupe beauty was given a Paris apartment and an executives salary for a yearCredit: Instagram @indira.ampiotread more sport featuresMore to her than meets the eyeIndira managed to juggle her education alongside her beauty pageant work.After earning her baccalauréat with honours in 2022, she planned on studying communications in Paris.She wanted to specialise in visual advertising, communication, and design.However, winning Miss France pushed her into a different direction.Dating a football starIt’s not known how long Indira has dated Tel.But the pair’s romance can be originally traced back to November.When Tel shared a photo of himself after the match against Union Berlin, she commented with a heart eyes emoji.That set tongues wagging in the German and French media.Then in December, the pair finally went public with their romance when they were spotted at the SAP Garden in Munich watching Bayern basketball in the EuroLeague.READ MORE SUN STORIESGerman media reported Indira and Tel were dating back in NovemberCredit: Instagram @indira.ampiotIndira interacted with Tel on social media which gave fans a subtle clue of their relationship statusCredit: Instagram @indira.ampiotIndira was then spotted at a basketball match with Tel in Munich in DecemberCredit: Instagram @indira.ampiotGorgeous Indira would surely be very welcome at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyClearly it’s early days for these two.But, with Tottenham boasting one of the finest stadiums in the country – surely we’ll see Indira glamming up one of their boxes soon. More

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    ‘People are scared to death’ – David May admits he knows of ‘four or five’ ex-Man Utd stars who are battling dementia

    MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero David May has admitted that football players are “scared to death of getting dementia” – himself included.Ex-defender May revealed that he personally knows of around “four or five” former United stars from the 70s and 80s with the disease.David May has admitted that professional football players are ‘scared to death of dementia’Credit: PAMay told The Telegraph: “Dementia is an industrial injury. “I speak to players now and they say, ‘Have you been tested?’ They say, ‘No I don’t want to find out’. “People are absolutely scared to death of finding out.”Former team-mate David Beckham was among those who sent a message of support at the group launch of Football Families for Justice last month.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe organisation is demanding urgent action to tackle the beautiful game’s dementia crisis.May added: “Three or four nights before the launch all I could think of is, ‘Oh my God, this will happen to me’. “All I can think if I go in the kitchen and forget something is, ‘Have I got dementia?’ Once that’s passed, I’m fine again. But just those thoughts go through your mind.“I’m 55 this year. I don’t want my kids in 10 years’ time having to look after me, not being able to speak to them and understand them. Most read in Football“I would wish they could come once a week, twice a week, see their dad, know that I’m well cared for.”May decided to become involved after speaking with John Stiles, the son of 1966 World Cup winner Nobby.England and Man Utd legend Stiles died from a neurodegenerative disease associated with head impacts that leads to dementia in October 2020.Former Premier League star Dean Windass suffering from dementia as ex-Man Utd ace reveals diagnosis live on BBC You look at the 80s and 90s – it was, ‘get on with it lads’ and that’s what we did. David MayDefenders are FIVE times more likely to be diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, than someone who is not a professional player, according to research commissioned by the FA in 2017.The landmark study by the University of Glasgow also found no decline in that ratio through the eras.Professor Willie Stewart isolated the link last year to heading and head impacts, rather than any outside lifestyle factor.May said that players would take aerial blows “all the time” whether from heading, elbows or clashes of heads.Denis Law and Bobby Charlton both passed away after long battles with dementiaHe revealed: “There’s quite a few players involved in the group who played in the 1980s who talk about their ex team-mates – I’m not going to name names – who are struggling with dementia.“I remember playing for Burnley against Stoke – I got a bang on the head and I can’t even remember who did it.“You look at the 80s and 90s – it was, ‘get on with it lads’ and that’s what we did. It’s like getting punched off a professional boxer at 80 per cent.David May“You’d probably get two or three free hits before you got spoken to and you would pass it to your other centre-half. And they would do it back to you. It would be a free-for-all.“When I look at the amount of times I must have headed a ball in training, before a game, during a game, as a kid, you are talking thousands and thousands.“I would do 30-40 headers on a Friday – corners and free-kicks. They say that each heading of a ball whether from a goalkeeper or long free-kick is like getting punched off a professional boxer at 80 per cent.”May won seven major honours with Man Utd during the 90sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMay, who started in Man Utd’s FA Cup final-winning teams of 1996 and 1999, has not called for a ban on heading.But the Treble winner wants current players to be fully informed of the risks and for sport to collectively step forward for its former heroes.May revealed that ex-Hull star Dean Windass was diagnosed with stage-two dementia at the age of 55 last month.With permission from Windass, May said: “I asked Deano how he is. “He’s the same age as me and he’s worried sick of how it’s going to be in the future for him.”An application to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council to prescribe neurodegenerative disease in professional football as an industry-related disease has also just passed its fifth anniversary without resolution.Man Utd and Scotland icon Denis Law sadly lost his brave battle with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease last month.While Old Trafford and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton had dementia when he died from a fall at his care home, a 2023 inquest heard.The FA did introduce guidance in 2021 that recommended no more than 10 “high-force” headers in training per week. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe PFA is currently working with more than 200 families of former players with dementia.Tony Parkes and Allan Gilliver are two former stars currently suffering with it, while legends Chris Nicholl and Stan Bowles tragically passed away on the same day last year – February 24.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. 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    ‘We asked several times’ Man Utd refused to budge on £29million Patrick Dorgu transfer stance despite Lecce pleas

    LECCE have claimed Manchester United gave them a “now or never ultimatum” when they moved for Patrick Dorgu last month.The Italian club had vowed to keep hold of their Danish full-back, 20, until the summer at least.Manchester United acquired the services of Patrick Dorgu in the January transfer windowCredit: GETTYThe Red Devils signed the defender for £29millionCredit: GETTYLecce claim the Red Devils gave them an ultimatum over the 20-year-oldCredit: REXUnited were told that when they made their approach in January – but would not take no for an answer.And when the Red Devils threatened to pull the plug permanently on their interest, Lecce felt they had no choice but to sell.An initial fee of £29.4 million was agreed for the defender who was introduced to the Old Trafford crowd on Sunday.But Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani did not like how United went about their business.READ MORE MAN UTDHe said: “We said several times that Dorgu would not leave in January.“Then Manchester United arrived, who made themselves heard with us and with the boy’s entourage.“They received an official response from us that I leave here, in which we said that we had no intention of letting Dorgu leave in January.“And not talking about figures, not asking for increases.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“This, instead of stopping United, had the opposite effect.”Damiani says United turned up the pressure by telling them and the player they would walk away if a deal could not be done in the winter window.Manchester United player ratings against Crystal PalaceHe said: “We asked several times to postpone everything until the summer, also promising the young man that he would not miss the opportunity.“For us too it was a historic step, we just wanted to do it in July.“The English communicated to us their desire, the club and its coach, to be immediate.“There was an ultimatum, now or never, also giving this message to the player himself.“You cannot judge Dorgu, you are 20 years old and Manchester United comes to you with an offer like that.“The combination of these factors led us to think that we would have gone from being consistent to being stupidly obstinate.” More

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    ‘I made a mistake’ – Man Utd flop Memphis Depay’s grovelling apology after suspended prison sentence for drink-driving

    MEMPHIS Depay has issued a grovelling apology after landing a prison term for drink-driving.Monaco police stopped the former Manchester United striker at the wheel of his Rolls Royce last August.Memphis Depay has publicly apologised after landing a suspended prison term for drink-drivingCredit: ReutersMan Utd paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015Credit: GettyAnd a court in the French Riviera city handed him a four-month suspended jail term and £7,500 fine earlier this week after hearing he was over the alcohol limit.The former Prem star – who earns around £170,000-a-week with Brazilian club Corinthians – has also been banned from driving in Monaco for two years.Dutch international Depay was not in court to hear the verdict.But the 30-year-old wrote on social media: “I would like to come on here and apologise.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Last summer during my holidays in Monaco I made a mistake, and decided to drive home after having some drinks in a restaurant.”I should’ve got into a taxi instead, but I didn’t.”So I would like to apologise, and wanna take full responsibility for my action.”2024 was a year of lessons, and I will definitely learn from this one.  2025 we will do better.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDepay, who also apologised at the time of his arrest, now has two weeks to appeal the decision.United – then led by Louis van Gaal – paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015, but he managed just seven goals in 53 games.Rooney reveals he gave Depay a ‘talking to’ after Dutch star turned up to Man Utd game in a Rolls Royce and cowboy hatThe striker rebuilt his career with Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid before joining Corinthians last year.Despite his well-travelled playing career, Depay has been a reliable asset for the Netherlands national team, scoring 46 goals in 98 caps.Depay joined Brazilian outfit Corinthians last yearCredit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Mercedes sign wonderkid Ethan Jeff-Hall, 16, who achieved feat not even seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton managed

    MERCEDES have snapped up 16-year-old wonderkid Ethan Jeff-Hall for their junior team.Jeff-Hall turned heads after dramatically securing the CIK-FIA World Championship title on the last lap of the final race in 2024.Mercedes have snapped up 16-year-old wonderkid Ethan Jeff-HallCredit: AlamyNot even seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton achieved such a feat.Hamilton – who won six world titles with Mercedes – didn’t get his hands on a world karting crown before bursting on to the motorsport scene in 2007 at 22 years old.Jeff-Hall is bidding to follow in Lando Norris’ footsteps, after the McLaren star took the karting title in 2014 before joining F1.Fellow Brit Jeff-Hall is now gearing up for his maiden outing in single-seaters after being confirmed as Mercedes’ latest prodigy.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe rising star out of Trent Valley Kart Club is set to burn rubber for Argenti Motorsport in the British Formula 4 championship this season.Mercedes are connected to Argenti through founder and team manager Michael Meadows, who has family ties to the Silver Arrows. When news of his step-up was confirmed, Jeff-Hall said: “I’m excited and ready to face the challenge. “Winning championships like Ginetta Juniors and the FIA World Karting title has taught me a lot about consistency, adaptability and handling pressure at the highest level.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“It’s a new chapter, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.”Jeff-Hall joins a star-studded cast in the Mercedes junior programme. Kenzo Craigie, 14, clinched the junior world karting crown in 2024 and remains in the academy, as does runner-up James Anagnostiadis.Fans miss Lewis Hamilton’s first lap in a Ferrari as thick fog engulfs iconic F1 circuit Female prodigy Luna Fluxa is also in the team’s line-up for 2025. While Chinese prospect Yuanpu Cui remains with the Brackley-based unit after representing Argenti Motorsport last term.For Jeff-Hall, there’s hope he could one day represent the Silver Arrows on the F1 grid one day.Mercedes have a proven commitment to nurturing their junior drivers.Former whizz-kids Kimi Antonelli and George Russell will represent the team on the F1 grid this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAntonelli’s career path in particular will be one that every talented youngster within their ranks will want to emulate. Aged just 18, he was the once chosen by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to be fast-tracked into F1 to fill the sizeable void left by Hamilton after the 41-year-old’s decision to leave for rivals Ferrari.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More