Philippa Kaur

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    Phil Foden set for showdown talks with Man City and England as star admits to struggling mentally as well as physically

    PHIL FODEN wants talks with England and Manchester City over his summer plans – as he feels he needs a break.The Etihad favourite revealed he has been nursing an ankle ligament injury in recent weeks which has affected his form.Phil Foden admitted he is on the brink of burnoutCredit: ReutersThe playmaker might need to step back from his summer commitments for club or countryCredit: GettyHe also admitted the mental issues which he spoke about earlier in the campaign due to off-the-field problems are still affecting him.Foden has ten goals and six assists in 44 appearances across all competitions this season.It is a stark drop off from the 40 goal involvements that saw him crowned PFA, Football Writers’ and Premier League player of the year last term. Foden was an unused sub against Bournemouth on Tuesday night.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCity round off their disappointing league campaign against Fulham on Sunday.But the season is far from over.Thomas Tuchel is due to name his squad on Friday for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra and the friendly with Senegal.For City and Chelsea players, that camp will be swiftly followed by preparations for the Club World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPep Guardiola’s side are involved in the 32-team tournament, with their opening match on June 18 and the final on July 13.Should City go all the way, they will play seven matches in the United States.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheThe final is just 34 days before the 2025-26 Premier League season gets underway, with a record-breaking bumper next summer.So Foden needs a chat to work out how to navigate the next weeks as he battles the ankle issues while on the brink of burnout amid football’s relentless schedule.The six-time Premier League champion – who was part of the England squad that reached the Euro 2024 final last summer – said: “It’s been difficult. “I picked up an ankle injury against United in early April and it’s taken time to heal. It was a bad ligament damage to the ankle.“It took a while to heal before I can push myself back in training, I had to look after it.“Obviously it’s a difficult situation for me with the internationals right around the corner.“It’s something we have to speak with the club and national team to see maybe if it’s better to rest and get my ankle fully 100 per cent back how I want it.“I just don’t know at the moment, it’s a conversation to be had and we’ll see what happens.“I need a few weeks off it without playing football and obviously I can’t get it at the moment.”Foden candidly opened up on the injury being another negative note on what has been a “frustrating” season with his struggles on and off the pitch.But he will hope to hit the ground running in 2025-26 – as he looks to fill Kevin De Bruyne’s boots and break into the Three Lions’ starting XI for the World Cup. Foden added:He added: “It’s been a frustrating season for me. I’ve had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally.“It’s one of them, sometimes there’s things in life that are bigger than football.“This season I’ve struggled a little bit. Hopefully come next year I can get my head mentally right, get back where I left the season before.“I know what I’m capable of doing and the quality I have. And I know if everything was okay I’d definitely be better on the field.“Sometimes things happen and you have to deal with it and move on.Unfortunately I’ve had a difficult season.“Now it’s just about improving and getting back to my best. I know my standards and what I can reach. I’m looking forward to getting back.”He added: “A lot of people don’t know what football players have to go through and play with. I’ve had a lot of ankle pain and playing with it in the last couple of months.Read More on The Sun“Some people don’t see what we go through, it’s frustrating for me because I know it’s been hard to get it right.“You need time for it to heal but me being me I just love to come back on the football pitch as soon as possible. Maybe I’ve come back too early for my liking. But it’s what I’m like.”Pep Guardiola may need to protect his playmaker ahead of next seasonCredit: GettyFoden picked up the ankle ligament damage in the Manchester derby on April 6Credit: Rex More

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    Crystal Palace in talks to end trophy parade at abandoned UK stadium left to rot 110 years after hosting FA Cup final

    CRYSTAL PALACE are preparing to head back to familiar territory as they celebrate their historic FA Cup triumph. The Eagles ended a 119-year wait for a major trophy with a 1-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley last weekend.Crystal Palace are planning a trophy parade through south LondonCredit: GettyIt it proposed the parade ends at Crystal Palace Park, home of the National Sports CentreCredit: The TimesCrystal Palace Stadium sits on the site of the club’s former homeCredit: The TimesThe facility has been in a state of disrepair since closing in 2022Credit: The TimesPalace are planning a trophy parade through South East London next Monday. The club expect thousands of fans to line the streets of the capital. According to The Guardian, bosses have been in discussions with local stakeholders about ending the open-top bus parade at Crystal Palace Park.The site is dominated by the now-abandoned Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPrior to 2012, the 19,000-capacity athletics venue hosted the London Grand Prix. It was built on the site of the old Crystal Palace Stadium, which formerly hosted the FA Cup final and was Palace’s first home after their formation in 1905.The world’s oldest cup competition final was contested at the ground between 1895 and 1914, with the current stadium opening at the same address in 1964.But the athletics venue closed in November 2022 following concerns over safety. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt has been left to rot ever since, with the crumbling track overgrown by nature and trees growing in the stands. London mayor Sadiq Khan announced funding to restore the facility almost two years ago.Crystal Palace stars lift FA Cup trophy as they win first major honour in club’s history with win over Man CityWork is now slowly getting underway to restore it to its former glory.The track has been relayed, while the reopening of the 50m and diving pools remain the key priority for the project.London Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley, Thomas Turrell, said: “The phased target openings for facilities across the estate remain for 2027 and 2028.”The project is currently at the mid-point of the contractor procurement process, aiming to have a contractor on board by Spring 2025.Renovation work has begun to restore the facility to its former gloryCredit: The TimesNature had begun to take over the site after it was left to rotCredit: GettyThe diving and swimming facilities lay empty despite the pleas of local coachesCredit: The TimesTrack repair work began in late 2023 with more work set to begin later this syearCredit: x/CPSP2020″A planning submission will follow later in the year with works programmed to start on site in 2026.“I am pleased to this project developing. “While there is still a lot to do, and I know local people are keen to see the pool in particular opened as soon as possible, it is good to see progress finally being made. Read More on The Sun”The Centre has been forgotten for too long and I am really excited by this plan.”It is time to bring UK athletics home to Crystal Palace!” More

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    Tottenham blocked from upholding touching 98-year tradition by Uefa ahead of Europa League final against Man Utd

    TOTTENHAM have been blocked from honouring a 98-year tradition before the Europa League final.Ange Postecoglou’s side are taking on fellow Premier League strugglers Manchester United on Wednesday night in Bilbao.Tottenham’s plans to lay a floral tribute to Athletic Bilbao goal legend Pichichi were stoppedSpurs arrived with flowers for Heung-min Son to place before the famous Pichichi bustSpurs were ready to lay flowers down at an iconic statue outside the San Mames in tribute to Bilbao goal legend Pichichi.But their plans were foiled by Uefa on the eve of the final.Tottenham arrived armed with flowers for captain Heung-min Son to place before the famous Pichichi bust.It is usually a tradition for those playing at the San Mames for the first time to lay down a wreath there.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSon was expecting to perform the tribute before going out to train in the stadium on Tuesday, only for Uefa to step in and remind Spurs the ceremony should only happen whey they play Athletic Bilbao and not a neural team.The 49,600-seater stadium is handed over to Uefa for the event and they are in control of all logistics not Athletic Bilbao.Man Utd made their Pichichi tribute ahead of the first leg of the Europa League semi-final in Bilbao, when they beat Athletic Club 3-0.The tradition has existed since 1927.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRafael Moreno, an inside forward better known as Pichichi, died in 1922 at just 29 years old. He is a club icon and his name lives on through an annual award made to LaLiga’s top scorer.BATTLE FOR BILBAO: The Road to the Europa League FinalBorn in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, he scored 83 goals in 89 official games in an era before LaLiga. He scored more than 200 for the club if friendlies are taken into account.He won five regional Championship titles and four Copa del Rey’s.He played for Spain in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, winning a silver medal.MAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions More

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    Chelsea and England star’s dad splashes out £300k on horse… with debut race TOMORROW

    THE father of Chelsea and England star Noni Madueke will be hoping his near £300,000 investment in a racing horse pays off when it debuts tomorrow.Ify Madueke, who has been involved in horse racing for a number of years, will see his Havana Grey filly Oliaku race at Yarmouth on Thursday.Noni Madueke’s dad has a horse making its racing debut tomorrowCredit: PAIfy Madueke’s horse Oliaku is racing at YarmouthCredit: PSVThe horse has been trained by Michael Bell and will debut over five furlongs in the 3:25pm race.Ify splashed just shy of £300,000 on the horse which has high hopes for its debut race.Nick Bell, son of trainer Michael, told the Racing Post: “She’s going to the old man.“She’s been bought for Ify Madueke, who’s the dad of the Chelsea player Noni Madueke. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He bought a yearling with us last year and he’s a real enthusiast so he’s dying to get a good horse to Ascot. She ticks every box and came highly recommended.”Ify has invested in horses before with the footballer’s dad previously spending over £70,000 on Princess Chizara in 2023.Ify will be hoping for a surprise win tomorrow as Oliaku ranks as third favourite heading into the race.Meanwhile his son is gearing up for a big few weeks too as Chelsea try and secure a major trophy and Champions League qualification. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Blues take on Nottingham Forest on Sunday in what is essentially a straight shootout for a place amongst Europe’s elite next season.While they will then take on Real Betis in the Conference League final next Wednesday as they look to become the first team in history to lift all three major European titles. ‘I’m not happy’ – Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca FUMING at Conference League final opponents Real Betis’ unfair advantage More

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    Who is Gareth Bale’s wife Emma Rhys-Jones, how long have they been married and how many children do they have?

    EMMA RHYS-JONES is the wife of Wales legend Gareth Bale.Bale, now 35, called time on his glittering career in January 2023 after a trophy-laden spell with Real Madrid. Gareth Bale and Emma-Rhys Jones with two of their four kidsCredit: Getty The couple have been together been for a long timeBale has mostly been living a private life since stepping away from the game but makes a big return to the public eye on punditry duties for the Europa League final with TNT Sport.Here’s everything you need to know about her and when the couple tied the knot…Who is Emma Rhys-Jones?Emma Rhys-Jones has been with Gareth Bale for over a decade.She grew up in Llanishen, a district in north Cardiff a couple of miles from Bale’s family home.The couple began dating in the early 2000s while attending Whitchurch High School.They got engaged in July 2016 and Gareth announced the news on social media posting: “She said yes!! This is a birthday weekend I won’t forget for a long time…”The pair got married in 2019 – a year after Gareth scored a stunning goal in the Champions League final. Gareth Bale with daughter Alba, fiancée Emma Rhys-Jones and baby AxelCredit: Getty – ContributorWho is Emma’s husband Gareth Bale?Gareth is a former professional footballer who mostly recently played for for LAFC in the United States and Wales at the 2022 World Cup.He was born on July 16, 1989, in Cardiff.He started his football career at Southampton before moving to Tottenham.He signed a six-year deal with Spanish club Real Madrid in 2013 where he went on to win some of football’s biggest trophies including the Champions League five times. Emma and Bale celebrate with daughter Nava after Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph against Atletico Madrid in 2016Credit: EPAWhen was Emma Rhys-Jones’ and Gareth Bale’s wedding?Emma and Gareth got married in June 2019,The ceremony was held in Mallorca, Spain.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLHow many children do Emma Rhys-Jones and Gareth Bale have?Gareth and Emma have four children – two daughters and two sons.Their first child Alba Violet was born at the University Hospital of Wales on October 21, 2012.Their second daughter, Nava Valentina arrived on March 22, 2016.The couple’s son Axel was born on May 8, 2018, before their fourth child Xander was born on July 7, 2021. More

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    Kevin De Bruyne makes transfer decision on future after Man City legend hinted at Premier League stay

    KEVIN DE BRUYNE has ruled out moving to a Premier League club.The Manchester City legend is set to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires.Kevin De Bruyne has made a decision on his futureCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe has been linked with several clubs and sparked rumours he might stay in the Prem after stating he was “open for anything”.When asked about remaining in England, De Bruyne said: “I’m open for anything, anything, just for because I have to look at the whole picture.”However he is now set to leave the Premier League, according to The Telegraph.That means he will not have to face City – a club he has given ten years of service.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe six-time Premier League champion bid farewell to the Etihad crowd after the win over Bournemouth on Tuesday in an emotional goodbye.He said: “Manchester is home, Manchester is where these little kids were born.“I came here with my wife, Michelle, to stay for a long time, didn’t expect to be here ten years.“To do what we’ve done as a club, supporters, teammates we’ve won everything. We made the city, the club bigger and now they’re going to take over.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSDe Bruyne, 33, has been linked with a move to MLS when his contract expires at the end of next month.Serie A leaders Napoli are also said to be interested in the Belgian, while it has been claimed Liverpool were considering an offer.’I will quit’ – Pep Guardiola gives Man City ultimatum over squad issue that is ‘impossible for my soul’ More

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    Watch fuming Bilbao local swing at rowdy Man Utd fan with huge stick after Red Devils die hards cover balcony with flags

    THIS is the moment a fuming Bilbao citizen swings a stick at a rowdy Manchester United fan after flags were plastered on his balcony.Around 70,000 Brits have flooded the Spanish city to watch the sensational Spurs vs Manchester United showdown – to the obvious dismay of some locals.Manchester United fan has an altercation with a resident in Plaza Nueva before the UEFA Europa League FinalCredit: PA More

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    Emotional Leicester fans say ‘delete this’ as club share pics of Jamie Vardy packing his things into a cardboard box

    LEICESTER fans want the club’s social media admin to stop reminding everyone that Jamie Vardy is leaving.Pictures and touching footage showed Vardy’s final days of being a Leicester player this week.Leicester posted behind-the-scenes pictures of Jamie Vardy’s final days at SeagraveVardy carried cardboard boxes after playing his game on SundayVardy scored his 200th Leicester goal before waving goodbye to Leicester fans at the King Power StadiumThe final Vardy Party got off to the perfect start when the club’s greatest ever player scored his 200th goal in in his 500th game.The Foxes beat Ipswich Town 2-0 in Vardy’s final home game after 13 incredible years at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.And that marked the final time the Premier League legend, 38, pulled on his blue No9 shirt.Rather than finish with an away game at Bournemouth on the final day, Vardy wanted to go out in front of his own fans.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd now, after a loud send off, with trophies, banners and chants, Leciester have shared clips of Vardy’s final days behind the scenes.The footage begins with Vardy at home on Sunday morning, with his young daughter telling him “to score a goal”.He hugged hundreds of staff members, sipped a cold one in the changing room after the game and kissed wife Rebekah before waving to the fans. Leicester’s X page has since posted pictures of Vardy walking through a back-stage corridor in a tracksuit with cardboard boxes on Wednesday.Most read in FootballThe Foxes forward joined Leicester 13 years ago but will leave at the end of the seasonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe post read: “One last day at Seagrave for Vards 😔”And Leicester fans haven’t taken the sad reminder well, with one writing: “Please delete this”.Rebekah Vardy throws husband Jamie a surprise party as he leaves Leicester CityWhile a second said: “Are you trying to make us even more depressed 😐.”A third added: “Let us have the memories of Sunday. This is heartbreaking.”The club hosted a lavish huge surprise party Vardy’s honour on Monday night, with the bar tab hitting the thousands.Vardy won the FA Cup in 2021 but is best remembered for the Foxes’ 5,000-1 Premier League title triumph.The 26-capped England stirker has been linked with a free move to Crystal Palace. More