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    Hayden Hackney lifts lid on emotional final words from Man Utd legend Michael Carrick after Boro sacking ahead of Euros

    HAYDEN HACKNEY admits it was bittersweet getting his European Championship call-up 24 hours after Middlesbrough mentor Michael Carrick was axed.He also revealed the encouraging final words his former boss had for him ahead of him flying out with the Young Lions to try and retain their Euro crown.Hayden Hackney is part of the England U21 European Championship squadCredit: AlamyMiddlesbrough sacked Michael Carrick as boss this weekCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old Hackney, who SunSport exclusively revealed is being tracked by Tottenham, is in Slovakia preparing for England U21s’ first group game against Czechia on Thursday.The midfielder has become one of the most-sought after players in the Championship after being handed a chance to blossom at his hometown club under Carrick.Hackney is chomping at the bit now to make his mark on the international stage after being selected by Lee Carsley – though he admitted that the news of the Manchester United legend’s sacking soured it a little.He said: “I found out Thursday I was in the squad and told my mum and dad and yeah I was buzzing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“But also, yeah I was gutted about Michael Carrick to be honest. He’s done loads for me.”He put his trust in me to play the majority of games and helped me so much with everything really. I can’t thank him enough for that.“I text him straight away wishing him all the best in the future and he replied wishing me good luck for going away with England. It was nice.“It’s probably the first manager that I’ve lost and I just wanted to thank him for everything. But now a new guy will come in, whoever that may be, and as a squad we’ll go from there.”Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesHackney finds himself alongside some big names from huge clubs all across the Continent in the England set-up.But the shy-Teessider admitted that after Carsley initially helped him settle into the camp, he now feels that he belongs on this stage too.Five EFL Championship stars destined for the Premier LeagueHackney, who previously represented Scotland U21s before switching and making his Young Lions debut in 2023, said: “Lee Carsley was welcoming when I first came in.”When I’m on a training ground, he gives me tips and he’s just put his trust in me to go out there and play.“Oviously, when I first came in, I didn’t know what to expect but once the first session was out of the way, you get into it. It’s really good. We’re all good mates and really get on with each other.“Now my main goal at this tournament is just to play really. Grasp the experience, take it all in and do as well as we can and obviously the main objective is to win it.“That’d be unbelievable. Obviously there’s a long way to go but if we could do that then it’d be special.”And he doesn’t have to look far for much inspiration.Fellow Teessider, Boro man and big pal Dael Fry, 27, won both the U17 European Championship and U20 World Cup with England.Hackney added: “Dael at Boro still speaks a lot about his time with England. He says how much he enjoyed the whole experience of it all, all the competitions and some of the players he played with have gone on to do some unbelievable stuff.“He has just said how it’s a great experience and to savour it.”Read More on The SunEngland kick-off their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday.They then face Slovenia three days later and finish the group stage against Germany on Wednesday 18 June with all of the Young Lions’ matches being broadcast on Channel 4.Hayden Hackney celebrates after scoring against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final last seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Iconic Italian football club where Pep Guardiola and Mario Balotelli played goes bankrupt and faces boot from league

    ITALIAN football club Brescia is set to go extinct after 114 years having being declared bankrupt.The club – who started this season in Serie B – have failed to pay debts of more than £2.5million.Roberto Baggio and Andrea Pirlo during their time with BresciaCredit: GettyPep Guardiola, pictured here in 2001, also played for BresciaCredit: GettyMario Balotelli had a year with the clubCredit: Getty Images – GettyAs a result, they have been gone bankrupt and face expulsion from the professional leagues.Huge names such as Roberto Baggio, Pep Guardiola, Andrea Pirlo, Luca Toni Marek Hamsík, Mario Balotelli and Roberto De Zerbi all played for the club.Balotelli spent a year with Brescia after signing in 2019 – scoring five in 19 games but he left after the club’s relegation. Brescia is owned by Massimo Cellino – who was in charge of Leeds between 2014 and 2017 before buying the Italian side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he had a troubled tenure in Yorkshire and left amid fan protests and much discontent.Brescia were promoted to Serie A in 2019 but were relegated in the very next season.Things went from bad to worse this campaign after they were deducted four points amid their financial woes.It saw them relegated to Serie C – but owner Cellino has not registered them in time for next season in the wake of failing to pay off his debts.Most read in FootballBrescia are not the only Italian side facing bankruptcy and expulsion from the league.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSpal, once of Serie A, said in a statement: “With great regret, the owners of Spal announce that the club will not participate in the 2025-26 Serie C campaign.“It is a painful epilogue that arrived after numerous attempts to find concrete solutions that could guarantee the continuation of the project.“Unfortunately, the current conditions do not make that possible. “In the last four years, the owners made significant financial efforts, investing €50m in liquidity, with €12m alone in the last season, in an attempt to relaunch Spal and give the city of Ferrara a team suited to its history and passion.“However, the results were not satisfactory, nor proportional to the level of investment.” More

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    Russell Martin ready to raid former club Southampton as Rangers manager makes £10m-rated midfielder top transfer target

    PLAYMAKER Flynn Downes is top of Russell Martin’s wishlist at Rangers — but he will get no favours from his old club Southampton.Martin took Downes, 26, to the Prem with the Saints from West Ham and previously had him at Swansea.Russell Martin is eyeing a Saints midfielder who he knows wellFlynn Downes has played under Martin at three different clubsDownes could fancy the Scottish Prem over the Championship but the fee will be over £10million — which would be a big chunk of Martin’s budget.He will be busy in the transfer market after being handed £20m to overhaul the squad and may raid England a few times.Left-back Harry Toffolo is set to quit Nottingham Forest and is interested in a switch to Ibrox after playing only a handful of games late last season.Martin will inherit Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz as left-backs, but the Turk has been heavily linked with a return home.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSVeteran Leicester City defender Conor Coady is also on Gers’ radar.Meanwhile, Martin insists he has no plans to strip James Tavernier of the Rangers captaincy.He said: “He’s been the captain for a very long time. If he’s playing, I don’t see any reason to change that. And if he’s not playing, it will force someone else.“First and foremost, I want to speak to him to explain to me and have a discussion about the last two years, his thoughts on the team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“To play here as long as he has, to be captain as long as he has, takes a lot of energy. It’s not easy.“It will be down to him in the way he performs and the way he buys into it, which I’m pretty sure he will.”Rangers fans react to news Russell Martin is their new manager More

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    Leeds to offer Dan James new deal after loaning Man Utd flop out in last Premier League campaign

    LEEDS are offering Dan James a new two-year deal — but talks are still going on.The former Manchester United winger, 27, has a season left on his contract at Elland Road.Dan James is set for his biggest season yet for LeedsCredit: GettyThe pacy ace notched excellent stats as the Whites won the titleThe Welshman was loaned out – to Fulham – the last time Leeds were in the top flight.But James was a star performer in 2024-25 as Leeds picked up 100 points to nick the Championship title on goal difference from Burnley.Elland Road manager Daniel Farke’s position has still been under scrutiny.But club chiefs are now expected to back the German – including with a hefty transfer budget.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe German will reportedly be handed up to £100million to spend this summer.Newcastle’s Nick Pope is rated as a top contender to come in between the sticks.Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher was understood to be on the Whites’ radar.But Brentford won the race for the Irishman on a deal potentially worth £18million.Most read in FootballNewcastle keeper Nick Pope is a prime Leeds targetCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt follows concern over a dip in form for Leeds stopper Illan Meslier in recent months. Meanwhile, Elland Road legend Kalvin Phillips is being linked with a return to his hometown club.Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke songThe former England midfielder, 29, has returned to parent club Manchester City following a mediocre campaign on loan with now-relegated Ipswich.But for now he is recovering from Achilles surgery that could rule him out until August. More

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    Real Madrid set to HIJACK Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi transfer with star ‘attracted’ to idea of joining La Liga giants

    REAL MADRID are reportedly trying to hijack Arsenal’s deal to sign Martin Zubimendi in a move that could scupper the Gunners’ summer plans.Arsenal were thought to be leading the race for Zubimendi’s signature with reports claiming that a deal was on the brink of completion.Real Madrid could hijack Arsenal’s move for Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyMikel Arteta is keen to bring Zubimendi to the Emirates stadium with the hopes of strengthening his midfield options and replacing Jorginho – who has left to join Flamengo.Arsenal are thought to have agreed to pay Zubimendi’s £51m release clause to pry him away from Real Sociedad.However, according to Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid are planning a “final attack” to try and sign him instead, with new boss Xabi Alonso keen on a new central midfielder.It’s claimed that Zubimendi is “attracted” to the idea of playing for Madrid, while he is also said to prefer staying in Spain next year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt had seemed all-but-confirmed that he would be heading to Arsenal, but the news of Madrid’s last ditch attempt could spell trouble for the North London club. Liverpool looked set to sign Zubimendi themselves last summer, but after long talks and drawn out negotiations he ultimately snubbed the Reds to stay with Sociedad.Zubimendi is reportedly keen on the idea of playing under Alonso, who he worked with at Real Sociedad B.Arsenal need reinforcements in midfield with Jorginho’s confirmed exit. Thomas Partey is yet to sign a contract extension with the club and his current deal expires at the end of this month.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesZubimendi didn’t rule out a move elsewhere when asked about his future while on international duty with Spain.He said: “Of course there are options, but it’s true that it looks like it’s going to be a different, long summer, and I don’t know how it’s going to end.David Raya reveals Arsenal career changed overnight following two-hour meeting “Right now, thinking about it isn’t my priority. I’m here with the national team, which is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will.”Asked about playing under Alonso and the influence he has had on him, Zubimendi replied: “I’ve always said that he was my idol and that for me it was a stroke of luck that he was able to coach me in the reserve team in a very important year.”[But] I don’t like to talk about those hypotheses, I like to talk about the present.”I think it would be disrespectful to answer a question [about a Madrid move] while I’m in the national team, and facing such an important competition.”Zubimendi scored two goals and registered one assist in 36 La Liga appearances for Sociedad this season.Meanwhile Arsenal look set to complete the £5m signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, with the goalkeeper arriving to provide back-up for David Raya.A striker also remains a top priority for Arteta and his team, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres admired by the Gunners hierarchy.Zubimendi is a big fan of new Real Madrid boss Xabi AlonsoCredit: AP More

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    Jobe Bellingham becomes Dortmund’s 2nd-most expensive signing and pricier than Jude as Sunderland agree record transfer

    SUNDERLAND have agreed a club-record fee of £26.9million for Jobe Bellingham to join Borussia Dortmund.The deal also includes a 15 per cent sell-on clause, and will put Jobe second on the list of Dortmund’s most expensive signings.Jobe Bellingham has officially joined Borussia Dortmund from SunderlandBellingham, whose older brother Jude played for the Bundesliga club for three seasons, helped Sunderland secure promotion back to the Premier League last month.The versatile midfielder’s Dortmund deal includes £4.2million in performance related add-ons, and is only £1million behind the club’s most expensive ever player Ousmane Dembele.Like his brother Jude, Jobe came through Birmingham’s academy and spent two years in the first team after making his debut in 2021 aged 16.Sunderland signed him from the Blues in the summer of 2023 and he quickly became a first team regular.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZNJobe started 39 out of his 40 Championship games this season, only missing one through injury and two through suspension.Remarkably, the 19-year-old was only subbed ONCE throughout the entire campaign, playing 90 minutes on all other occasions.The teenager, who can play anywhere across the midfield, scored four goals and provided three assists for the Black Cats this season.He leaves Sunderland on a high after the club returned to the top-flight after nine years away following their sensational comeback 2-1 win against Sheffield United in the play-off final at Wembley.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJobe won Young Championship Player of the Season this term and was called up to England’s under-21s again this week.In the end, he scored 11 goals and gifted four assists in 90 appearances for Sunderland.Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at WembleyDortmund have forked out more for Jobe than they did for his older brother, who joined for £25million in 2020.Jude left Dortmund in the summer of 2023 and became Madrid’s second-most expensive signing behind Eden Hazard. The brothers will play against EACH OTHER in the upcoming Club World Cup, if the deal is finalised before June 10 and both teams make the final in the US.And they will join brothers Lucas and Theo Hernandez as the only other siblings to play each other in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Sunderland have already eyed their replacement in Manchester City kid Charlie Gray.Jobe has followed in his brother’s footsteps More

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    West Ham star Michail Antonio shares footage of himself learning to walk again after escaping death in horror crash

    MICHAIL Antonio has released footage of himself learning how to walk following his horror season-ending car crash.The West Ham striker, 34, posted the inspiring clip on his Instagram page as he continues his recovery.Michail Antonio posted an inspirational video of his rehab effortsCredit: InstagramThe West Ham striker suffered injuries following a horror collision in DecemberCredit: InstagramHe titled the video “Faith will overcome all challenges”, accompanied by a montage of his rehab and touching moments with teammates.The star was airlifted to a London hospital and suffered a broken leg after crashing his £260,000 Ferrari near Theydon Bois, Essex, in early December.Antonio’s crash occurred in Epping on the way home from the Hammers’ Rush Green training ground and he underwent surgery on the broken leg that night.To get Antonio talking, medics spoke to him about football, including his different managers and career highlights.Read more on Michail AntonioThe pair revealed that he was talking a lot and speaking repetitively, which is common when people bump their heads.Hammers players continued to wear shirts bearing Antonio’s name including in their subsequent home win over Wolves, the first game following the crash.Each of those, as well as the match-worn shirts, were signed and auctioned off to fans in order to raise cash.West Ham players and staff all went to visit their team-mate during his time in hospital.Most read in FootballAntonio would watch West Ham games weekly throughout the early stages of his recovery to motivate him.The Hammers icon admitted that hearing his name being sung by supporters “helped him massively”.He made an emotional return to the London Stadium for West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle in March.The Jamaica international, West Ham’s all-time top Premier League scorer, is out of contract in the summer.A decision is yet to be made over whether to extend his deal in order to cover the recovery, though discussions will take place in the near future.The striker is out of contract this summerCredit: InstagramTeammates visited Antonio as he recovered in hospitalCredit: Instagram More

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    Nations League final prize money 2025: How much can Portugal and Spain win?

    PORTUGAL and Spain have the chance to bank a big pot of prize money TONIGHT as they face off in a mouthwatering Nations League final.Footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo wrote his name in the headlines once again when his 86th-minute strike helped A Selecao complete a 2-1 semi-final win against Germany.Cristiano Ronaldo fired Portugal in the Nations League finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialLamine Yamal’s doubled helped Spain secure a spot in tonight’s finalCredit: GettyAnd it’s a result that gives Portugal the chance to add yet another Nations League title to their ever-growing trophy cabinet.However, teen sensation Lamine Yamal could have something to say about that as his double saw Spain pick off star-studded France in their nine-goal semi-final thriller.Furthermore, Spain will be desperate to become the first team ever to retain the title after beating Croatia in the 2023 final.But not only that, La Roja know how much they can earn should they be victorious.Read more on Nations LeagueNations League final prize money 2025The prize money for this year’s thrilling Nations League final has not yet been disclosed.However, Spain banked a reported £8.8million for their triumph in 2023.Runners-up Croatia pocketed just over £7.5m according to reports.While third and fourth place were awarded £6.7m and £5.9m respectively.Most read in FootballHow to watch the Nations League final 2025Portugal vs Spain is available to watch for FREE on ITV1 in the UK as long as you hold a valid TV license.Fans can also stream the entire action for FREE on ITVX with a mobile device, laptop or tablet.The final will take place in Munich at the Allianz arena with Kick off to commence at 8pm BST.Spain are the current holders after beating Croatia on penalties in 2023.What has been said?Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said: “It’s very difficult to reach finals and the important thing about this team is they are hungry.”They want more success, competing and winning.”The look in the eyes of the players who had been there before and the new players was the same.”I’m excited to see young players who want to make history for the national team.”While Portugal boss Roberto Martinez stated: “We need to enjoy the [semi-final] victory – we won for the first time in a while against Germany.”Tactically we were exceptional and our commitment helped. It was a team victory. More