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    Former Arsenal star who made English football history finally retires at 45 after 27-year career

    FORMER Premier League star Junichi Inamoto has hung up his boots – at the age of 45.The midfielder became English football’s first Japanese player when joining Arsenal in 2001.Junichi Inamoto has hung up his boots at the age of 45Credit: GettyInamoto became English football’s first Japanese player when joining Arsenal in 2001Credit: AFPInamoto also played for Fulham, West Brom and CardiffCredit: GettyInamoto is rolling credits on his 27-year football careerCredit: GettyHe made just four cup appearances for the Gunners without scoring during his loan spell from Gamba Osaka.But Inamoto went on to spend two seasons with Fulham – scoring FOUR goals in their Intertoto Cup final win over Bologna.He also played for West Brom and Cardiff, and won 82 Japan caps – appearing at three World Cup finals.His career also took him to Galatasaray, Eintracht Frankfurt and Rennes before returning home in 2010.Read More on ArsenalInamoto has played for fifth-tier club Nankatsu SC since 2022, but has now decided to retire.He said: “Of course the environment at Arsenal is completely different to Nankatsu.  But you have one ball, and football as a sport doesn’t change.”My goals at the 2002 World Cup were the launchpad for my name to be known around the world.”I was already at Arsenal by then, but those goals had a tremendous impact.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I have decided to retire at the end of this season.  To be honest, I have thought about retiring every year for the last two or three years.”As far as this year is concerned, I don’t think I can help the team at the moment.Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait “I will be lonely to leave the field after doing so much.  I think I will go on to become a coach.”Inamoto’s career kicked off back in 1997 with Gamba Osaka. More

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    Thomas Tuchel to start England job three weeks EARLY as former Chelsea boss will attend World Cup qualifying draw

    THOMAS TUCHEL will begin his England duties three weeks early – after receiving the green light to attend the 2026 World Cup draw.German Three Lions chief Tuchel had not been expected to take up any England role until the start of his 18 month contract on January 1.Thomas Tuchel is set to pick up his Three Lions duties three weeks earlyThe former Chelsea manager will represent England at the World Cup qualifying draw on December 13It was suspected that there may have been issues with his contract position following his summer departure from Bayern Munich.But Tuchel will now headline the FA delegation when Wembley chiefs travel to Zurich on December 13 for the start of the European road to the World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.Tuchel’s participation in the post-draw interview round will represent his first formal involvement in the national team – while he may also discover the opponents for his debut match.England are one of the 12 top seeds in the draw to help decide the 16 European places at the tournament.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSix of the groups will contain four teams, with the rest made up of five sides.However, with four of the smaller groups set aside for the winners of the Nations League A quarter-finals – being played in March – England have a 75 per cent chance of being in one of the five-team groups.Those groups are scheduled to see matches played in March and June, whereas the four-team sections will be entirely compressed into the autumn breaks in September, October and November.Fifa will announce the fixtures schedule soon after the draw and it could mean Tuchel’s first match in charge is the opening World Cup qualifier.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former PSG boss had previously been blocked from attending the draw after being appointed in his new job two months ago.That could be against second seeds Wales, with Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland all possible pot three opponents. Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man UtdThe 12 group winners will gain automatic qualification, with the runners up joined by four teams from the Nations League to play off the for the remaining places.As a top ranking side, England have been drawn in Pot 1 with Nations League quarter-finalists Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Euro winners Spain.What are the World Cup European Qualifying pots?Pot 1SpainGermanyPortugalFranceItalyNetherlandsDenmarkCroatiaEnglandBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaPot 2UkraineSwedenTurkeyWalesHungarySerbiaPolandGreeceRomaniaSlovakiaCzech RepublicNorwayPot 3ScotlandSloveniaRepublic of IrelandAlbaniaNorth MacedoniaGeorgiaFinlandIcelandNorthern IrelandMontenegroBosnia and HerzegovinaIsraelPot 4BulgariaLuxembourgKosovoBelarusArmeniaKazakhstanAzerbaijanEstoniaCyprusFaroe IslandsLatviaLithuaniaPot 5MoldovaMaltaAndorraGibraltarLiechtensteinSan Marino More

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    Former Ecuador international Pedro Perlaza ‘kidnapped’ as police investigation is launched

    A FORMER Ecuador star has allegedly been kidnapped.Pedro Perlaza is believed to have been abducted in the province of Esmeraldas in his native country, close to the Colombian border.Pedro Perlaza has allegedly been kidnappedCredit: GettyA source told an Ecuadorian outlet that police have launched a kidnapping investigation into his whereabouts after his family alleged he had been taken.Perlaza’s family reported him missing on Monday evening, with the alleged abduction taking place at 9am that day.It is claimed Perlaza was intercepted by a motorcyclist while travelling on a road and forced into a vehicle.A statement from Ecuador Police read: “Following the alleged involuntary disappearance of citizens Pedro P. and Juan M. in #Esmeraldas, following the filing of the respective complaint by their relatives, #PoliceEcuador immediately began investigative and operational work around this incident.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA friend, who reported last seeing Perlaza on Sunday at 4pm, said he had not been heard from since leaving training.He said: “We were at the Isla Piedad field enjoying soccer practice and he told me that he was going home to rest and we don’t know what happened to him. “Hopefully we can find out the whereabouts of our friend. He was here this week working on a construction site. He was always supportive. That’s why we’re hurt.”Perlaza, 33, has spent his entire career playing in Ecuador for teams including Juventus and has won three caps for the national team.Most read in FootballHe now plays for Ecuadorian top flight side Delfin, while one of his former clubs Liga de Quito took to X expressing “profound concern and solidarity regarding the news of our former player’s kidnapping”.The club continued: “In this difficult time, we extend all our support to his family, friends and loved ones, reiterating to them that they are not alone.Premier League star became a viral sensation at 12 at Arsenal then was signed by Charlton after playing in a car park”We trust that this situation will find a favourable outcome and that we will soon receive encouraging news.” More

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    Why is Lisandro Martinez NOT playing for Man Utd against Arsenal?

    RUBEN AMORIM faces his toughest test since becoming Manchester United manager TONIGHT as the Red Devils take on Arsenal.Last Sunday, the Portugese coach claimed his first top flight win with a 4-0 triumph at home to Everton.Manchester United beat Everton 4-0 last time outCredit: GettyAmorim is looking to revive the club’s chances of Champions League football next term after the Red Devils made a woeful start to the season under former manager Erik ten Hag.United have a tough festive period coming up, with Premier League clashes against Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle and Liverpool all scheduled over the next month.The Red Devils begin their difficult run of fixtures at the Emirates this evening, with Amorim’s job made even more troublesome due to Lisandro Martinez’s suspension.Why is Lisandro Martinez NOT playing for Man Utd against Arsenal?Lisandro Martinez will NOT be available for Man Utd’s Premier League clash with Arsenal tonight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Argentine defender picked up his fifth yellow card in the top flight during the Red Devils’ 4-0 win against Everton on Sunday afternoon.Martinez was cautioned for pulling back Beto as the Toffees striker was advancing on goal.The 26-year-old centre-back will be back available for selection for Man Utd’s clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, December 7.How to watch Arsenal vs Man Utd FREEArsenal’s blockbuster clash with Manchester United will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.Most read in FootballThe streaming giants will be exclusively airing 20 Premier League fixtures this December.Should you not currently hold an Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial, which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member, including streaming Arsenal vs Man Utd. More

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    West Ham star Jean-Clair Todibo in furious half-time bust-up with Julen Lopetegui as dressing room tensions boil over

    JULEN LOPETEGUI was involved in a furious clash with Jean-Clair Todibo during Saturday’s defeat to Arsenal.The under-fire Hammers boss, whose job is hanging by a thread, watched his side concede five first-half goals to the Gunners at the London Stadium.West Ham star Jean-Clair Todibo got into a furious clash with manager Julen LopeteguiCredit: GettyWest Ham boss Lopetegui has found himself under fire after poor resultsCredit: GettySummer signing Todibo, 24, vented his frustrations in the home changing room at half-time, leading to a heated row with his manager.With no senior centre-backs on the bench, Todibo stayed on and played the full 90 minutes of the 5-2 loss – with West Ham managing not to concede in the second half.Todibo was absent from Tuesday night’s defeat to Leicester City, though that was due to a persistent groin problem sustained against Newcastle rather than any disciplinary action.It is the second time this season Lopetegui has been involved in an argument with one of his players, having fallen out with Mohammed Kudus at Brentford after hauling him off at the break.Read More on FootballTodibo arrived on loan from Nice in the summer with a view to a £35million deal next summer.Falling out with key men such as the defender and Kudus will only weaken Lopetegui’s position, already under huge scrutiny following Monday night’s 3-1 defeat at Leicester.Many within the club feel players are not being given clear instructions on how they should be playing – with a high line costing the Hammers dear at the King Power.West Ham’s board are holding discussions on Wednesday to determine Lopetegui’s fate, with a significant majority pushing for a change to be made.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGraham Potter, Edin Terzic and Sergio Conceicao are all under consideration.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamThe East Londoners are currently 14th, six points clear of the drop, but have made no clear progress since David Moyes was replaced in the summer and almost £130million was spent on new players.Frustrated fans turned on Lopetegui at the King Power Stadium, chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at the former Wolves manager. More

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    Premier League teams in transfer race for Celtic goalscoring wonderkid, 18, who’s out of contract in months

    PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are circling for talented Celtic striker Daniel Cummings, according to reports.The Scot, 18, has scored 22 goals in 20 games for The Hoops’ youth team so far this season.Daniel Cummings could sign a pre-contract agreement with another club as early as next monthCredit: GettyThat includes five in the Uefa Youth League – the most recent of which came in last week’s 1-0 win over Club Brugge.He also has one goal in three caps for Scotland’s U17s.However, Cummings, who is out of contract in the summer, is yet to receive a contract extension offer from Celtic.This means he can begin negotiations with other clubs from January 1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd according to The Mail a number of English clubs are monitoring the forward as they plot a move for him.They include Premier League clubs Brentford, Wolves, Fulham and Ipswich.Championship sides Sunderland and Burnley have also shown an interest.Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers spoke last month on Cummings’ progress and what it will take for him to earn a first-team call-up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe ex-Liverpool and Leicester boss said: “It’s your mentality. It’s your professionalism. All these things, alongside ability, are what get you the opportunity.”In terms of Daniel’s output, his goals in his games, he’s done very well.Rangers hero Kris Boyd on whether Arne Engels or Paulo Bernardo should be starting in the Celtic midfield”But, like I say, there’s a lot of factors I consider when bringing in a young player.”Ability is the first thing I look at, but your attitude and application are just as important.”If Cummings was to leave, Celtic could reportedly earn between £230,000 and £330,000 in training compensation. More

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    Glam footballer Madelene Wright shows off bum in raunchy festive outfit as she says ‘all I want for Christmas is you’

    MADELENE WRIGHT got into the festive spirit as she showed off in a raunchy Christmas outfit.The footie star is no stranger to showing off on social media.Madelene Wright got into the festive spiritCredit: X @WrightMadelene_She often shares racy pics onlineCredit: X @WrightMadelene_Wright has amassed a huge social media followingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/madelene_wright/Her former clubs include Charlton and Leyton Orient but Wright now turns out for Chesham United.But when she is not on the pitch she is often busy on OnlyFans.And her saucy snaps have allowed the 26-year-old to accumulate quite the following on social media.Wright took to X to share a photo with her 15,000 followers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe wore red and white stockings and a matching low-cut Santa-style top.Wright shared the pic along with the caption: “All I want for Christmas is you ❤️”Fans loved the look with one reacting saying: “Stunning 🥰”Another added: “Divine queen 👑 😍”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “Spectacular!”And another commented: “Wowza. Love that sexy outfit 💖”Seven sports stars who started an OnlyFans including ex-footballer and British boxing iconInside Madelene’s glamorous life as influencer, footballer and OnlyFans star…Wright lives a glamourous lifestyleShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe recently celebrated her 25th birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe football also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

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    Man Utd star Amad Diallo sends cheeky response to club’s official X account after award snub

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Amad Diallo hilariously hit back after missing out on the club’s Player of the Month award.The 22-year-old has been one of their standout performers in November.Amad Diallo has responded after being snubbed for the club’s player of the month awardAmad scored both in the 2-0 win over Paok and got an assist in the 3-0 victory against Leicester, which was Ruud van Nistelrooy’s final game in charge.The Ivorian has continued his fine form in a new role as a wing-back since the arrival of Ruben Amorim, setting up Marcus Rashford’s strike against Ipswich for the first goal of the new manager’s era.Amad, whose current deal expires in the summer, also shone as he provided two assists in Amorim’s 4-0 win over Everton on Sunday.But he was snubbed as United’s November Player of the Month in favour of Noussair Mazraoui.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAmad then brilliantly responded to the post on X confirming that the defender was the winner.He wrote no words and simply replied with a short clip of a referee heading to a VAR screen, jokingly suggesting he wants a review of the votes.His reaction has since gone viral, with the post receiving 46,000 likes and counting.Fans found it hilarious, with one saying: “The vibes are back.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “Let your brother have this one, you got Ballon d’Or and all to win.”A third wrote: “December is for you king.”Man Utd player ratings v Everton articleMazraoui is fully deserving of his award after playing 90 minutes in all four November games.His versatility has also proved vital, having featured at left-back against Leicester, right-back versus Paok and centre-back in the clashes with Ipswich and Bodo/Glimt.Fans were full of praise for him, with one writing: “Never had a bad game since joining Man Utd! Well deserved Mazraoui.”Another added: “Our signing of the season.”Mazraoui refused to wear a pro-LGBTQ+ jacket ahead of United’s 4-0 win over Everton.According to The Athletic, the Red Devils decided not to wear the walk-out jacket because Mazraoui, 27, told his team-mates he was not prepared to wear the outfit, citing his Muslim faith as the reason.United have worn a pride-themed jersey to warm up ahead of games and a jacket of a similar concept when walking out for a match over the last two seasons during the Rainbow Laces period.Man Utd issued the following statement: “Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We demonstrate these principles through a range of activities, including support for our Rainbow Devils supporters’ club, and campaigns to celebrate our LGBTQ+ fans and combat all forms of discrimination.“Players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club’s position.”Man Utd donned the pro-LGBTQ+ jacket last yearMan Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More