Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 238 Shares41 Views

    in Soccer

    Real Madrid vs Man City prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Champions League preview for huge Bernabeu second leg

    MANCHESTER CITY have to overcome a 3-2 deficit at Real Madrid on Wednesday if they want to progress in the Champions League.Pep Guardiola’s men conceded two sloppy goals late at the Etihad last week meaning their European ambitions rely on a big result at the Spanish giants.So SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the European showdown and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesReal Madrid vs Manchester City previewOn paper, it looks a huge task for Manchester City to overturn a deficit in Madrid this week.On the pitch, you just don’t know what side is going to turn up at the minute. Pep Guardiola’s men looked set to take a lead to Spain when heading into the final five minutes or so in front.To go on to lose the game is quite ridiculous but probably in tone with what City have produced in the past couple of months.They were really good on Saturday, for all that Newcastle just didn’t turn up at the Etihad again, so need to replicate that and more to progress. Their last visit to the Bernabeu was enthralling. A 3-3 draw in the quarter finals last year where they led, trailed, led again and were pegged back late on.Madrid have conceded in five of their last six home games, so City more than likely will get themselves on the scoresheet. It’s the defensive side that will worry supporters.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 4-2 at 25/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Vinicius Jr 11/2 with talkSPORT BET – HEREReal Madrid vs Man City latest oddsReal Madrid at 10/11 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Real Madrid vs Man City predictions and tipsFrustrationIt looks like Antonio Rudiger is fit to return for the second leg having missed out in Manchester last week.His battles with Erling Haaland were crucial last year and he’s going to fancy getting the better of the Norwegian here.Haaland has been given it back to his opponents more and more in this recent run and that’s a tussle that could quite easily spill over in what’s sure to be a passionate contest.Goals aplentyThese sides have shared 17 goals in the last four fixtures between them in the Champions League.Given City’s defensive concerns, their best form of defence is likely attack. And this attack will cause huge problems to Madrid.Likely to be another high-scoring affair with tie to be decided on the night.*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

  • 288 Shares37 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels’ – Former Arsenal star reveals why he felt ‘misjudged’ at the club

    FORMER Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez has admitted he felt “misjudged” throughout his time with the Gunners.Azeez first joined the London side at the age of five and spent the next 11 years climbing the Hale End academy ranks.Miguel Azeez has opened up about feeling ‘misjudged’ at ArsenalCredit: GettyThe midfielder, who now plays in Greece, expresses himself through fashionCredit: INSTAGRAMHe also has a love for music and artCredit: INSTAGRAMHe signed his first professional contract in 2019 and made his senior debut the following year in a Europa League match against Dundalk.That proved to be his only first team appearance for Arsenal as he was later sent out on several loan spells to Portsmouth, Ibiza and Wigan respectively before joining Spanish side Atletico Baleares last January.Seven months later, Azeez moved on again, this time to PAS Giannina in Greece.The midfielder has since made 13 appearances, scoring once.Read More on ArsenalAlongside football, Azeez enjoys expressing himself through art, music and fashion.But in a recent interview with The Athletic he revealed that he felt “misjudged” compared to his team-mates.The 22-year-old said: “I definitely felt, not adversity, but being misjudged.”Ask anyone at Arsenal — I was always first into training and last to leave.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAzeez left Arsenal last JanuaryCredit: INSTAGRAM”If I looked like a quintessential footballer they would not have thought anything of it but because of how I looked, the hairstyles, the face, jewellery, whatever it was, they would say, ‘He is trying to be aloof by coming in early to be by himself’. I was just trying to improve.”That word ‘aloof’ was used against me at Arsenal. My team-mates were in the changing room on their phones on Snapchat when I was in the gym working, but they would just see me by myself and put two and two together.Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old self”The players seemed to take to it, which was nice. It was from the coaching side of things.”I don’t know if it was an upbringing thing or a hierarchy thing. I took it as people thinking, ‘Who does he think he is? Does he think he is better than me?’.”Nah, I’m just being myself. I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels.”There was always this thing representing the badge. I get that, but I think they wanted a different image to what I was giving.”I guess there’s a lot of people who would change their personalities just to get to where they felt they needed to be. I’ve always said I’m a person who plays football.Nah, I’m just being myself. I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels.Miguel Azeez”When people start to think they are a footballer before they’re a person, that’s when they start to change who they are.”Recalling his Arsenal departure, he added: “I felt like I had to go. You would train with the 21s, be in with the first team and be on the bench but not get on. I had to try to create my own path.”I don’t think anybody would like a player not extending their contract, but it wasn’t the nicest send-off.”Normally, a player who was leaving would get their shirt signed by all the players and staff. I didn’t get that or a meeting saying goodbye.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Not that I cared as I don’t need that to feel validated but me being the longest-serving player, it would have been nice to get something.”SunSport has approached Arsenal for comment. More

  • 213 Shares52 Views

    in Soccer

    Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen’s transfer release clause revealed as Real Madrid battle Man Utd to sign Spaniard

    DEAN HUIJSEN has a hefty release clause built into his Bournemouth contract – as Real Madrid and Manchester United eye a summer swoop. The Spanish defender, 19, has attracted interest from clubs around Europe after an impressive breakthrough season.Dean Huijsen is attracting interest from around EuropeCredit: ReutersThe 19-year-old has a release clause built into his Bournemouth contractCredit: GettyHuijsen has helped the Cherries surge up the league in a surprise European push.The 19-year-old joined Bournemouth from Juventus in a £12.6million deal. He has played 19 times this season, scoring twice and helping Andoni Iraola’s men to fifth place. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Huijsen has a £50million release clause in his contract.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe fee can be activated by any club in the summer window.As such, it could be that Huijsen has his pick of Europe’s elite come July. Man United boss Ruben Amorim is a big admirer of Huijsen – but the Red Devils face stiff competition from Real Madrid. Amsterdam-born Huijsen, 19, started his career in Spain and is a Spanish citizen after his family moved there when he was five.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe only made one appearance for Juventus before being shipped out on loan to Roma. Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Milan are also said to be interested in signing the youngster.Jude Bellingham says ‘The Referee Made a Mistake’ giving red card Huijsen signed a six-year deal at the Vitality Stadium last summer.And he admits he is “grateful” to ex-boss Jose Mourinho for helping to launch his career at Roma. Huijsen played 13 times in Serie A under the former Chelsea and Man United coach.He told the Guardian: “Jose was great even though I wasn’t with him for too long.”He was really good to me and he gave me an opportunity and I’ll always be grateful for that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He believed in me and I think someone that big believing in you is very special, especially for a young guy coming through.”For someone that big to say what he said is really special and it only gives you confidence as a player.” More

  • 225 Shares75 Views

    in Soccer

    Thomas Tuchel strikes agreement with FA that sees new England boss working from GERMANY and missing huge games

    NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel has struck a deal with the FA to be based in Germany. The 51-year-old German penned an 18-month contract last October to replace Gareth Southgate.Thomas Tuchel is preparing for his first game as England boss next monthCredit: EPAThe Three Lions head coach has been spotted at games around the country in recent weeksCredit: GettyIt has been revealed Tuchel is being given special permission to return regularly to GermanyCredit: GettyTuchel officially began his new £5million-a-year role as Three Lions chief on January 1. He has since been seen at Premier League grounds around the country ahead of his first squad announcement next month.But according to The Times, Tuchel has already missed three rounds of top-flight fixtures and cup matches.The FA have agreed Tuchel can make regular trips back to Germany to see his family.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has two children with ex-wife Sissi, who he divorced in 2022. The ex-Chelsea boss attended his first Premier League game on January 4, watching Tottenham take on Newcastle. He has since watched 16 more matches at home and abroad, including Champions League games in France, Spain and Italy.But he has also missed the entire FA Cup third-round weekend and three entire Premier League gameweeks. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked by talkSPORT how often he would be at the FA’s base at St George’s Park, Tuchel said: “Very regularly, this our home, this is our base.”I will be there otherwise we cannot create the atmosphere that is needed for the 18 months we have together. England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying draw”I’m happy to be there. We have an excellent infrastructure.”Tuchel is preparing for his first game in charge on March 21.The Three Lions host Albania at Wembley in the first of their World Cup 2026 qualifiers. England will then take on Latvia three days later, again at the Home of Football. World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarTuchel will become England’s third foreign manager after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.After taking the job in October, he said: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.”To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.” More

  • 225 Shares37 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘Are you f***ing kidding me?’ – Ex-Chelsea ace John Obi Mikel in X-rated rant after ‘disaster’ Maresca interview

    CHELSEA hero John Obi Mikel put his former club on full blast in a sensational rant after manager Enzo Maresca’s “disaster” interview.The Blues’ humiliating 3-0 loss at Brighton last Friday effectively ended any slim Premier League title hopes.Chelsea hero John Obi Mikel lashed out at his former clubCredit: GettyObi Mikel blasted Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca’s statement that he’s ‘ahead of schedule’Credit: GettyObi Mikel criticised Chelsea loanee Jadon Sancho’s performancesCredit: PAObi Mikel put Chelsea captain Reece James on full blast due to his leadershipCredit: AlamyThe West Londoners have now won a mere two out of their last nine Prem matches, losing four of them.The Italian tactician, though, stated before the loss to the Seagulls, who also eliminated his team from the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory the week before, that his side are in fact ahead of schedule in terms of progress.That is after the ex-Leicester boss was ordered to deliver Champions League football in two years after he took on the job in the summer. His team are now sixth in the table, one point away from fourth.But Obi Mikel, 37, refused to hold back on his brutal assessment of Maresca’s statement.Read More on ChelseaThe double Premier League winner, who also won four FA Cups and the Champions League during his 11-year stint with Chelsea, lasedh out by dropping a total of 18 F-bombs.Obi Mikel told The Obi One Podcast: “‘Who the f*** has told them that? Are you f***ing kidding me? This is Chelsea Football Club.”You can’t be ahead of the f***ing schedule, this is the f***ing Chelsea Football Club, no disrespect to Leicester where he’s coming from, this is f***ing Chelsea Football Club. We are a Champions League football club, that’s what we are. “He can’t come out and say if the club employ you, if they’ve told you that, no, mate. This is a Champions League football club. We’ve always been in the Champions League. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I can swear to you right now I’ve never watched a f*** ng game in the Conference League. I’ve never watched it, I don’t care about it, that’s not who we are.”We are a Champions League football club. So for me, for him to come out and say we’re ahead of schedule, no you are not. We should be there. ‘Pressure shouldn’t be on the coach’ – Gary Neville slams Chelsea board for ‘unforgivable’ mistake”I think that comment that the manager made that we are not contenders to win the Premier League, that has got into the players’ heads and the whole thing since then has been a f***ing disaster. We have no clue what we’re doing.”Obi Mikel also targeted Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho, who has struggled to impress since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer with an obligation to buy for a reported £23milion fee.Sancho had another impressive loan stint at Borussia Dortmund during the second half of last season but he has only managed two goals and six assists in 22 appearances with the Blues.Obi Mikel added: “I watched the games, the game against West Ham was even worse than the game against Brighton. Against Brighton there was no character, there was no intensity, there was no leaders on the pitch.”There was no one telling Jadon Sancho, ‘Sancho the first goal you should have tackled for that’. There was no one telling Sancho, ‘What the f*** are you doing’?  “He’s [Sancho] deceived us with a good couple of games, you know we thought, ‘Oh f***ing hell, now we’re getting this Jadon Sancho from Dortmund’. But he’s gone again. Chelsea ‘need a striker'”He’s disappeared off the grid. He takes the ball, he doesn’t go past people anymore, he doesn’t create chances anymore, you know he doesn’t help the team as much as he should be.”Paul Winstanley [sporting director] I know you watching, you’re listening please and Todd Boehly [co-controlling owner and chairman], please we need a striker.”Nicolas Jackson is a fantastic guy, fantastic striker but he needs help. It’s not just his form, not just his goalscoring, what happens when he gets injured and we’ve seen it here now and we’ve come into the crucial part of the season where we need to win games and we need get to win games.”They’re not bad players but they need to do more, they need leaders, they need somebody who’s going to hold them by the f***ng neck and say, ‘Listen, wake the f*** up mate’. You need a f***ing leader who is going to say, ‘Wake up, wake the f*** up’. “They are too soft. That’s what I mean. I know I keep going back to when we were at the club but that’s something that helped us. “When you’re not doing things right JT [John Terry] calls you in, goes to maybe meets you in the gym, maybe meets you by the pool area, and says, ‘Listen what’s happening you need to do more. The club needs you to do more because we win games here’.”That led to another brutal assessment of current Chelsea captain Reece James, who has endured a raft of injuries the last four years and has struggled to regain his former prowess when he’s on the pitch.Obi Mikel said: “Ah f*** that, no, you think Reece James is going to speak to Enzo Fernandez? No, I don’t see that happening. “Reece James needs to do more as a captain, you can only do more by your performances, by being on the pitch, showing leadership on the pitch. He’s been injured half of his career at Chelsea. “You can’t go and say to a player, ‘You know, you need to do more’. No, you need to be on the f***ing pitch. That’s a disaster if we fail to qualify for the Champions League. I will view this season as a massive, massive disaster.”December is not a f***ing time to drink red wine and have turkey. You can enjoy your Christmas but we knew back then that this is the test when you need to win the Premier League. “It’s not a holiday period. It’s never a holiday period. So to win two out of 10 [eight Premier League matches after Christmas] since then it’s a huge, huge disappointment. I just hope we find our way back. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Cole Palmer, his form has dipped a little bit but the guy can’t do everything alone. The pressure always should be on the owners. “They’ve bought this football club with the sole purpose of winning – not making profit. If you buy Chelsea Football Club and think you are here to make profit, no mate you can f*** off, you can f*** off. You need to win trophies. You can make your profit but you need to win trophies.” More

  • 175 Shares41 Views

    in Motorsport

    Michael Schumacher’s wife Corinna breaks silence over family bodyguard’s sick ‘intimate photo’ blackmail plot

    MICHAEL Schumacher’s wife has broken her silence on a “far too lenient” sentence handed out following a £12million blackmail plot against the racing star.Corinna Schumacher has sought to appeal the trial verdict handed out to the “mastermind” behind the shocking case.Michael Schumacher with his wife Corinna in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy, on 16 January 2003Credit: AlamyMichael Schumacher and his wife Corinna at the 2006 FIA Gala held in Monaco on December 8, 2006Credit: RexEx-bodyguard Markus Fritsche was handed a two-year suspended prison sentenceCredit: FacebookThe Schumacher family’s ex-bodyguard, Markus Fritsche was accused of supplying blackmailers with private images and was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence.Despite this, Corinna and the Schumacher family slammed the sentence for not being hard enough.A statement from Monday said: “We have appealed against what we consider to be the far too lenient sentence for Mr F,”In my opinion, he was the mastermind behind this. What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust.read more on formula one”He should receive a punishment that deters any potential copycats.”Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, was also arrested after hard drives containing private pictures, medical records, and videos of the Formula One legend were stolen.Tozturkan and his his 30-year-old son Daniel Lins were accused of demanding £12 million from the Schumacher family.The pair from Wuppertal in western Germany threatened to release 1,500 confidential files about the motorsport legend, on the dark web, if they did not get the money.Most read in MotorsportThese files allegedly included information on the F1 champion after his skiing accident in 2013 – when the driver was last seen in public.Prosecutors said the former security guard for the family sold the images of Schumacher for what was described as a five-figure sum.Michael Schumacher security guard ‘tried to blackmail stricken F1 star for £12million so he could pay off his debts’The father was given an email, by Schumacher’s office, to send the files as proof he had them.Tozturkan brought his son into the mix when he reportedly set an anonymous email, per BILD.Tozturkan, who is currently behind bars for an unrelated crime, was handed a three-year sentence and Lins was handed a six-month suspended sentence.The father and son made admissions of guilt at the start of their trial.Yilmaz Tozturkan standing in the courtroom before the verdict was announcedCredit: Avalon.redDaniel Lins was handed a six month suspended sentenceCredit: Avalon.redCorinna Schumacher with her daughter Gina on 20 July, 2022Credit: RexIn court Tozturkan said: “I am very sorry and ashamed.”I will take responsibility for what I have done.”The mystery around the former F1 world champions’ current health condition continues.He was last seen in public in 2013 when he set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel, with his then 14-year-old son Mick.Michael’s skis caught on a rock below the snow, which caused him to crash head first into a boulder.READ MORE SUN STORIESCorinna and the rest of his family have been incredibly secretive about his condition 12 years on.Only close friends are allowed to visit Michael at the family’s home in Gland, Switzerland.Michael Schumacher on 4 October 2012Credit: APMichael Schumacher with Corinna after winning the formula one world championship at the Japanese Grand Prix on 8 October 2000Credit: GettyMichael Schumacher celebrates on the podium after winning the German Formula One Grand Prix on July 30, 2006Credit: GettyWhat happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

  • 275 Shares67 Views

    in Soccer

    Lionel Messi team-mate reveals he still takes medication to deal with World Cup final loss – despite going on to win it

    ANGEL DI MARIA has revealed that he still takes medication to deal with past disappointments with Argentina.The former Manchester United ace suffered three consecutive final defeats.Angel Di Maria (right) went through three consecutive international final defeatsCredit: GettyDi Maria, 37, went through heartbreaking losses in two Copa America finals and the 2014 Fifa World Cup, where he was an unused sub in the 1-0 final loss to Germany.He has managed to overcome the disappointments with successes in the 2022 Fifa World Cup and 2021 and 2024 Copa America finals.However, the three-year period that saw the crushing defeats took its toll on the wide player.Di Maria has revealed that he is still taking medication to deal with the lows.READ MORE ON LIONEL MESSIHe told Infobae: “Because of that I’m still taking the meds.”I was able to reduce it [dosage].”I’m much better, but that’s something a little addictive, too.”These are things that stay with you, that mark you.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDi Maria was the matchwinner in the 2021 Copa America final win over Brazil as he scored the only goal of the game.He was also one of the heroes in the 2022 World Cup final as he netted the first goal in the win over France.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’Di Maria was one of the goalscorers in the 2022 World Cup finalCredit: GettyHe also helped the team retain the Copa America in 2024Credit: ReutersThe Benfica star did admit that he has sympathy for his former international team-mates who did not get the chance to win an honour.He added: “Who remembers the boys that reached that World Cup final and didn’t win?””Very few, it seems unfair to me. Who is talking about those kids Nobody.”Very few can tell you how they played.”I said it a lot of times when we became world champions, when we won the Copa America, I always said that those trophies were also [thanks] to the previous generation.”Di Maria called time on his Argentina career last year but is still producing the goods for Benfica.He has impressed this season in Portugal with 14 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions.Despite his impressive form, he has insisted that leaving international football behind was for the best.He said: “I was there for 16 years [with the national team] and it is as if I had been in a club.”It’s difficult, but I think I made the right decision. It’s obvious that it tempts me because it’s the national team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I achieved everything I wanted to achieve. I left the way I wanted to leave.”I hope one day I can be there again, in a different role.” More

  • 238 Shares37 Views

    in Soccer

    Gary Neville predicts another year of Man Utd struggles due to Ruben Amorim’s ‘unforgiving’ tactics and £300m of ‘waste’

    GARY NEVILLE has predicted another year of Manchester United struggles due to Ruben Amorim’s “unforgiving” tactics and £300million of “waste.”The Red Devils’ season hit a new low on Sunday as they lost 1-0 to fellow flops Tottenham.Gary Neville has predicted another year of struggles for Ruben Amorim and Man UtdCredit: AlamyNeville reckons there are two key areas that need strengthening immediatelyCredit: AFPIt leaves United languishing in 15th – just 12 points above the drop zone.And the misery could continue on Saturday when they travel to in-form Everton, who are now above them thanks to the skills of ex-United manager David Moyes.Ruben Amorim cut a frustrated figure after seeing his injury-laden side crash to defeat in London at the weekend.The Portuguese boss was forced to name EIGHT kids on the bench after United were hit by a raft of setbacks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim will now be hoping for some serious backing in the summer market as he looks to rebuild his squad.However, Red Devils icon Neville reckons fans will still have to wait a while before seeing Amorim’s plans fall into place.He claims a deficit of £300m over the last three years means it is going to take at least several more windows before Amorim has a squad he can call his own.Neville believes United need to start by signing two midfielders and three specialist centre-backs who are suited to the new 3-4-3 system.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos can’t afford more “waste” after splashing out on several duds last summer.Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville said: “How quickly can Amorim not just get good players in, but get players who can fit into this system?Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim “It’s a peculiar system, 3-4-3. It’s a system where you’ve got to find two midfield players who are good enough to play with each other and cover a lot of ground.“You’ve got to find three centre-backs – with two of the outside ones capable of playing out wide in the full-back areas, when the wing-backs go forward.“So you’re asking for specialists throughout the team. It’s not like other systems which are a little bit more forgiving.“How quickly can Amorim and the recruitment team at United get to a point where they can adapt this squad into a 3-4-3 squad?“It’s going to be a minimum of two to three transfer windows because of the investment that’s been made and we know the club’s on the edge of PSR.“They’ve lost £300m in the last three years, so there’s a real struggle and a real fight to be able to spend the money that they need in the transfer market as well.“There’s been a lot of waste in the last few years.”Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More