Philippa Kaur

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    World Cup 2030 stadium that will rival Bernabeu and Nou Camp looks unrecognisable during major refurbishment

    A FLAGSHIP World Cup 2030 venue is poised to complete an incredible transformation.Barcelona and Real Madrid will open the new-look La Cartuja Stadium on April 26.La Cartuja stadium has had its famous athletics track removedRenovation is now in its final stages ahead of an April 26 re-openingThe capacity of the venue in Seville will swell by more than 15,000 seats to 72kThe site in Seville was built for the 1999 World Athletics Championships.But there will be few signs of its famous track and field pedigree once the revamp is finished.The athletics track has been ditched – as just one of several major changes.The stand-out development is an increase in capacity by more than 15,000 to 72k.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd a new ring of stands has been installed to underline the dramatic re-think.Spain’s sporting chiefs reckon it will be their third main venue at the World Cup in five years’ time, behind only the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.La Cartuja was also a key part of Seville’s bid to host the summer Olympics in 2004 and 2008.The area in southern Spain is often called “Europe’s hottest city”.Most read in FootballUS sprinter Michael Johnson set a staggering world 400m record at the venue in 1999 and returned here in 2019 for the anniversaryCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut although athletics has warmed to the venue, La Cartuja’s stature was not enough to win the Games for Seville.However, it did host a thrilling 2003 Uefa Cup final, in which Porto beat Celtic 3-2 – when a little-known and now-abandoned rule came into play.Arteta gives worrying Gabriel injury update as Arsenal sweat on four defenders ahead of Real Madrid clashEntering extra time at 2-2, the Scottish giants then had notorious hardman Bobo Balde sent off.It gave Porto hope of triumphing with a “silver goal” – whereby the team leading after the first additional 15 minutes takes the trophy.But the Portuguese club failed to net in that quarter of an hour.Instead Porto went on to win 3-2, thanks to Derlei hitting his second goal of the night shortly before the end of the second added period.Seville boasts two LaLiga clubs in Sevilla and Real Betis, but both use their own grounds.Nonetheless, La Cartuja is Spain’s fifth largest sports stadium and the national team occasionally play there.And when Betis were banned from their Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium in 2007, they switched to the bigger venue for a game against Villarreal.Not only that, Betis will temporarily use the ground again while their own Benito Villamarín stadium is redeveloped later this year.La Cartuja has hosted two Davis Cup finals in tennis, four Copa del Rey finals from 2020 to 2023 and was used at Euro 2020.And it was there that athletics saw one of the great world records of modern time.Read More on The SunAmerican legend Michael Johnson clocked 43.18 seconds for the 400m in 1999, a time unsurpassed until South African Wayde van Niekerk ran 43.03 in Rio 17 years later. But the finest hour for La Cartuja is scheduled to arrive a decade after that – when the World Cup comes to Spain for only the second time ever.A new ring of stands has been added to the 26-year-old groundThe stadium is on the the island of La Cartuja More

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    Kyle Walker was almost reduced to tears during ‘sad’ Man City exit but ‘couldn’t say no’ to AC Milan amid family drama

    KYLE WALKER admits he was almost in tears after his “sad” Manchester City exit.But the England star insists he “could not say no” to AC Milan amid his family drama back home.Kyle Walker has lifted the lid on his stunning switch to AC Milan in JanuaryCredit: AlamyThe ace was close to tears after leaving Man CityCredit: GettyWalker completed a stunning loan move to the Italian side in January after seven and a half years at City.The 34-year-old won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League in 319 games under Pep Guardiola.And Walker has since gone on to star 11 times for new side Milan, including yesterday’s 1-1 derby draw with Inter in the Coppa Italia semis.The right-back completed his San Siro switch amid family drama involving estranged wife Annie Kilner and former mistress Lauryn Goodman.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe shares four children with Annie, while having also fathered two more with Lauryn.And Walker, who was recently seen barking orders at teammate Joao Felix, has now revealed that he came close to crying while saying his goodbyes to City staff and players.He told BBC Sounds’ The Kyle Walker Podcast: “I said to the team manager…the player liaison officer, I said that I wanted to say goodbye to the lads in the canteen before I left when I knew the deal was complete. “And he actually texted the whole building! So, there were 150 people there and I had to say goodbye, which was a little bit nerve-wracking.Most read in Football”It was sad because as much as people might have this persona about me or whatever, I did speak to completely everyone in that building from the cleaners, to the cooks, to the kit men, to the physios.“There was the lady there, Emma, that would be behind the counter and serve you food, or get your drinks and whatever.Kyle Walker party girls revealed as globe-trotting models – and lift lid on how star is enjoying his new life in MilanWalker shares four children with estranged wife Annie KilnerCredit: InstagramHe also has two children with former mistress Lauryn GoodmanCredit: Rex”And even when I looked over at her, I wanted to cry because it was like every day I’ve said, ‘Morning’ to you and given you a cuddle, and all of a sudden now I’m not going to see you anymore, and you don’t think about that when the process is happening, but then when you come to say goodbye, it’s hard.”Walker also lifted the lid on his reasons for moving to Milan.He added: “In football, I think when certain things come, or certain opportunities come, you have to take it.“And for me to experience a different league, for me to experience a different culture, for me to play for a club like AC Milan… I don’t think you can turn that down.“And when you know they want you, or you want to go there, and you want to have a new challenge, I think there are certain clubs in the world that you kind of can’t say no to.“I think with him (Pep) being a top player, playing for a top club and managing these top players, [he knows] people are going to have different desires or ambitions to go and do certain things with their career, and I just think for me, it just came at the right time. It came at the right time. It was the right club. “And I just felt, you know what, I need to go and try something different because I don’t want to live after football saying I wish I’d have just explored something different and come to a club like this. I think it was the right fit for me.” More

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    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 30: European quarter-final first legs key to unlocking bumper points

    DREAM TEAM managers have until 11am on Saturday morning to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 30.In terms of strategy, it’s all eyes on the European quarter-final first legs with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea set to play again after the weekend’s Premier League action.Arsenal v Real Madrid is just one mouthwatering fixture included in Gameweek 30Credit: APNaturally, these double headers are the focus of this week’s transfer recommendations.Just to clarify, we consider Bruno Fernandes (£7m), the game’s most in-form player, firmly in the camp of: blindingly obvious.Bukayo Saka (£6.6m)In a week that featured several popular assets suffer ill-timed injuries, Dream Team bosses were boosted by the return of Arsenal’s No7.Saka marked his comeback with a goal against Fulham to underline his credentials.Only Mohamed Salah (£7.7m) averages more points-per-game than the England winger in 2024/25.Mikel Arteta will be delighted to have his star player back ahead of a trip to Everton and Real Madrid’s visit to the Emirates.Saka’s ownership has already increased to nigh on 20%.Saka marked his return with a goalCredit: ReutersMarcus Rashford (£3.7m)It’s a good time to back Unai Emery’s troops amid an unmatched succession of double Gameweeks.Most read in FootballNo fewer than nine Villa assets notched double-digit hauls in Gameweek 29 but Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) was not among them; far from it in fact as he mustered just one point from two substitute appearances.Instead it was Rashford who led the line against Preston and Brighton and boy did he capitalise.The 27 year-old loanee bagged a brace in the FA Cup and then got on the scoresheet again during his side’s win over the Seagulls in midweek for a 29-point return in total.Barring something extraordinary at Stamford Bridge this evening, he will finish as Gameweek 29’s top performer.Villa’s Gameweek 30 is far from favourable with high-flying Nottingham Forest to come before a daunting meeting with PSG in the Champions League but Rashford has form on his side.A word for Marco Asensio (£4.1m) who has now scored EIGHT goals since his loan switch despite having started just four times for Villa.The Spaniard’s minutes are a slight concern but his impressive average of 8.2 points-per-game is the headline right now.Rashford thrived in Gameweek 29Credit: GettyDominic Solanke (£4m)This suggestion comes with the caveat that Spurs are due to face Chelsea this evening and so the outlook may change depending on how things play out in West London.Ange Postecoglou’s side are the only team with the luxury of two home fixtures this coming Gameweek and that includes one against relegation-bound Southampton.Frankfurt are expected to provide stiffer competition next Thursday but it’s an appealing double header nonetheless.Son Heung-min (£4.6m) is currently the second-most popular recruit ahead of Saturday’s deadline on account of him being Spurs’ top points scorer.However, it’s worth noting the South Korean superstar has played just 275 minutes across his last five outings at an average of 55 minutes per appearance.In contrast, Solanke has completed the full 90 minutes three times in a row since his return to the starting line-up after injury.Son may pack more of a punch (he’s first-choice penalty taker too) but the England striker seems to be far more immune to Postecoglou’s rotation.It’s worth remembering that for all Spurs’ problems this season, they have scored plenty of goals across all competitions.Solanke has scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists this seasonCredit: ReutersDjed Spence (£3.2m)It’s a similar story in defence.Pedro Porro (£4.5m) is by far and away the top performer in his position among his team-mates with a mighty 223 points but, like Son, his minutes have decreased lately – he didn’t feature at all against Fulham last time out.Whereas Spence’s form has seen him play every minute of the last four games.This shuffle in the pecking order is interesting as the 24-year-old currently features in just 0.8% of teams, making him a huge differential option.Read More on The SunSpence ranks fifth in his position for bonus points this season despite the fact he hardly featured at all during the first four months of the campaign.He is certainly capable of a satisfying double-digit haul if given the nod against Saints and Frankfurt.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    Gary Lineker lands shock Glastonbury gig as he prepares to step down from Match of the Day role

    DEPARTING Match of the Day host Gary Lineker is set for a shock appearance at Glastonbury Festival this summer.The annual music festival will take place in June, featuring headline acts including The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, and Neil Young.Lineker hosted Match of the Day for 25 yearsCredit: GettyThe England striker turned pundit is set to give a talk on Glastonbury’s ‘The Information’ stage alongside a crop of artists and activistsCredit: GettyFormer Lionesseds Carly Telford (left) and Jill Scott (right) are also set for appearances at The InformationCredit: Paul Tonge – The SunBut appearing among the world-famous musicians and comedians will be the former Leicester and England striker turned pundit.He is set to leave his hosting role at Match of the Day come the end of this season after 25 years in the job, but will soon return to the limelight as part of the ‘Silver Hayes’ programme.Silver Hayes is an area of Glastonbury which generally plays host to dance music, but Lineker will appear on ‘The Information’ stage.It is described by Glastonbury’s website as “a space for discussion, debate, and understanding on today’s current affairs and cultural issues,” under the slogan “optimism is a political act.”Read more footballAlso speaking are former Lionesses Jill Scott and Carly Telford, who is now a commercial manager at Chelsea Women’s FC.Dulwich Hamlet player Lucy Monkman will contribute a DJ set.The Information is a self-described “dedicated space for discussion and debate… with a diverse programme of speakers, activists and political figures.”The subject of Lineker’s talk is yet to be officially confirmed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Information’s day-by-day timetable is yet to be announced.Lineker recently told FourFourTwo magazine that he does not expect to work with the BBC after leaving Match of the Day.’I don’t like it’ – Gary Lineker has wild reaction after spotting ex-Match of the Day star at Baller League launchHe has committed to appearing on The Assembly, an ITV show launched last year which will see celebrities grilled by a cast of interviewers with autism, neurodiversities, and learning disabilities.His focus, though, will likely land on his Goalhanger Podcasts network, which includes flagship show The Rest is Football and other popular shows including The Rest is Politics and The Rest is History. More

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    Man Utd files: Red Devils make £25m ‘new Peter Crouch’ top striker target and Ten Hag’s mammoth payout revealed

    BEANPOLE Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca is literally rising to the top of the Manchester United shortlist as the new Old Trafford regime seeks a substantial rebuild.The 6ft 7in frontman, 24, has notched 18 Serie A goals over the past two seasons since returning to his homeland with Udinese from a loan spell with Ajax.Lorenzo Lucca is a key target for Man UtdCredit: GettyThe striker fits United’s transfer criteriaLucca, who has earned three Italy caps this season, was a youth product at Torino but made his breakthrough with 13 goals for Serie C Palermo in 2020-21.During his spell at Pisa in Serie B he was dubbed the “Tower of Pisa”, a reference to the city’s landmark building.Udinese are looking for just £25million this summer for a striker who would become the Prem’s tallest outfield player since Peter Crouch retired in 2019.That fits with United’s financial model although they would face potential competition from Juventus and Milan.Ten Hag payoutErik ten Hag received a compensation payout of £8.5million when he was sacked as Manchester United manager.The Dutchman was fired in October with the club sitting 14th in the Premier League.The payout is lower than initial reports, which suggested he may have received double that amount.It was thought Ten Hag’s payout may have been bigger after he was handed a one-year extension last summer after leading United to FA Cup glory at Wembley Stadium.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe still had 20 months to run on his £9million a year contract.However, it appears the Dutchman walked away with less than he would have earned had he seen out his contract.’As a player yeah but…’ – Luke Littler forces Roy Keane to agree on Bruno Fernandes but Man Utd legend still makes digThe latest club accounts revealed: “On 28 October 2024, the club announced that Ten Hag left his role as men’s first team manager. Costs associated with this of approximately £8.5million will be recognised in the financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2025.”United had previously admitted forking out £14.5 million to Ten Hag, his coaching team and former sporting director Dan Ashworth.The club said: “Exceptional items for the quarter were a cost of £14.5m. This relates to costs associated with the departure of former men’s first team manager Erik ten Hag and various members of football staff.”The payout to Ten Hag is roughly the same amount the club has been forced to pay out in redundancy after cutting 250 staff last summer.The club admitted: “In July 2024, Manchester United began a redundancy process aimed at reducing employee levels by around 250 people. Associated costs of between £8million and £10million will be recognised.”Erik ten Hag received a payout of £8.5million after his payoutCredit: PALining City pocketsUnited will have to hand Sunday’s derby rivals City a windfall of around £5m if they land Ipswich forward Liam Delap this summer.The 22-year-old is one of the names under consideration at Old Trafford as they look to rebuild Ruben Amorim’s squad this summer.And City will be watching developments closely with the striker they allowed to leave for £15m last summer.They have a buy-back option believed to be in the region of £40m but as things stand are unlikely to activate that.However they inserted a sell-on clause into the original deal in July – meaning they will get 20 per cent of any profit made by the Suffolk club.Liam Delap is on the Red Devils radarCredit: AlamyFire summer saleTalk of the dressing room at Old Trafford is that the club is desperate to offload some of its highest wage earners this summer – to allow a long-term cut-price reboot of the squad.United chiefs fear they will be unable to shift Brazilian veteran Casemiro, who has another 12 months left on his £18m per season contract.That means they are crossing their fingers that Real Betis will want to splash the cash to turn Old Trafford flop Antony’s loan into a permanent deal.Marcus Rashford’s successful stint at Aston Villa is seen as lifting his potential sale price, while Christian Eriksen will be among those leaving when his contract expires.It will also hasten their need to find a buyer for Jadon Sancho, with Chelsea prepared to write off £5m to back out of their agreement to sign the winger at the end of his loan spell at Stamford Bridge.SunSport understands the new approach was signposted by the arrival in January of left-back Patrick Dorgu, signed for £25m from Lecce on a five-year deal worth only £40,000 per week.United’s scouts have been told to look for value in the market, with the club looking to avoid over-paying for young players and offering them relatively low initial contracts.That comes after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public criticism of keeper Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro last month.Man Utd want to get rid of outcasts Antony and Jadon SanchoCredit: GettyEx-Red Devil receives supportFormer United team-mates have rallied around Brandon Williams – who is facing up to two years in prison after admitting dangerous driving. The 24-year-old will be sentenced on May 9 and has found life difficult since he was released by the Red Devils 12 months ago.But those who worked with him at Carrington and played alongside him have been quick to offer both financial and moral support for the youngster – with one ex-United star particularly generous.One that got awayNico O’Reilly is the talk of the blue half of town right now after his emergence into City’s first team in recent weeks – and he could get his first taste of a full Old Trafford in Sunday’s derby.Yet if things had worked out differently, he could have been turning out regularly at the Theatre of Dreams.United were at the head of the queue to sign the Manchester-born youngster when he was a boy – but he opted to go across town after being dazzled by the set up at the City Football Academy.Nico O’Reilly has impressed for Man City in recent weeksCredit: GettyWag cityAmorim’s wife Maria Joao Diogo will no doubt be looking forward to the arrival of Hugo Viana across town at City.That’s because she is close friends with the wife of the new Etihad director of football – and the pair own interior design company Dois Tons together.But in the meantime Maria has struck up an unlikely friendship with Natalia Loewe – who is the partner of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.The families live close together in Cheshire and have kept each other company while their husbands are off training.Maria Joao Diogo is close friends with the wife of incoming City chief Hugo VianaCredit: D. R More

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    ‘Get them to the Premier League’ – Darts legend Phil Taylor reveals he’d consider buying EFL club with Robbie Williams

    DARTS legend Phil Taylor has revealed he would consider buying League Two club Port Vale with pop icon Robbie Williams.Taylor, 64, is a lifelong fan of his local club Port Vale and good friends with fellow Valiants fan Williams.Phil Taylor has revealed he is open to buying Port Vale with popstar Robbie WilliamsCredit: GettyTaylor grew up in the local area and is a lifelong Port Vale fanCredit: GettyRobbie Williams is an avid Port Vale supporter tooCredit: GettyThere has been a boom in recent seasons of famous faces from across the globe splashing out to buy football clubs throughout English game.Most notably these include Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ purchase of Wrexham, and also the likes of Tom Brady’s investment in Birmingham City and Michael B Jordan’s involvement with Bournemouth.Now Taylor and Williams could join that list with 16-time world darts champion ‘The Power’ explaining that he’s open to the idea of getting involved with Port Vale and taking them to new heights.Speaking to OLBG, he said: “Well, I was asked that by talkSPORT because me and Robbie are good friends.READ MORE IN SPORT”And his dad is like my second dad, Peter is, and talkSPORT mentioned that Robbie was interested in investing into Port Vale and, if he does would you be interested?”I said well, yeah I think so, but we’d have to see what it is and how much they want and stuff like that.”Although Port Vale fans can’t get too excited just yet, as Taylor explained that, for now, it’s all hypothetical.”But I’ve heard nothing from Robbie. So, no, I think it’s just a rumour”, he added.Most read in FootballBut should that dream become a reality, Taylor has big ambitions for where he could take his boyhood club.He said: “Get them to the Premier League!Amazing moment Stephen Bunting and Adrian Lewis belt out Robbie Williams’ Angels at darts exhibition “I don’t know in all seriousness to be honest with you, I haven’t got a clue. I’d probably give Barry Hearn a ring and ask his advice. “You know, Barry was my ex manager and because he owned Leyton Orient, he knows a lot more about running a football club than I do, so I’d ask him for a bit of advice.”For now, Port Vale might not need Taylor and Williams’ help.The club are currently third in League Two, just two points off top spot under the management of former West Brom and Huddersfield boss Darren Moore.Robbie Williams is actually already involved in the club, being named as the Club President in February last year.While the ‘Rock DJ’ singer also has a bar named after him at Vale Park.Williams was named Club President at Port Vale last yearCredit: TwitterHe even helped design one of their kits More

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    Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson reckon Women’s World Cup in the UK could push game to new level

    LIONESSES boss Sarina Wiegman says the UK landing the 2035 Women’s World Cup will take the female game to another level.Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced the England-led Home Nations plan was the “one valid bid” to host a tournament set to be expanded to 48 teams.Leah Williamson says the UK hosting a Women’s World Cup could be an opportunity to show home nations care for women’s footballCredit: GettyGianni Infantino revealed the UK was the only bidder that submitted an expression of interest to Fifa before its deadlineCredit: AlamyWindsor Park in Belfast could be among the potential venues for matchesCredit: SportsfileFormal confirmation will come when the official bid book, including up to 16 stadiums across all four countries, is sent to Fifa in November.But that will be a formality and Wiegman, who led the Lionesses to Euro glory in 2022, said a World Cup on British and Northern Irish soil was a game-changer.Wiegman said: “We know with the experience of the Euros how big the game is already here and what that momentum did here in the country but also worldwide. “Hosting another tournament on an even bigger stage would be incredible and will give another boost to the game. Read More Football Stories”It’s an even bigger stage. It’s the biggest female event we have in the world.”England skipper Leah Williamson added: “I’m proud to have been a part of such a good show for women’s football at the Euros. “The commitment from the FA, the conversations that we’re in all the time about how we push the game on –  I think 2022 was a great demonstration of that intent. “To follow up with a World Cup bid says a lot about how much we care about women’s football here on home soil but then also globally as well.”Most read in FootballWilliamson’s former Arsenal and England team-mate Alex Scott says the idea of Women’s World Cup taking place across the UK, brings back memories of London hosting the Olympics 13 years ago. The BBC Sports presenter and pundit said: “When I go back to when we hosted the Olympics in 2012, that was one of our first times walking out Wembley – as Team GB – with 70,000 people there. “That was a historic moment for us, so you fast-forward and you’re thinking about what that can do for people coming into the stadiums, being inspired and cheering on their team.”It would be absolutely epic.”The success of the bid was a victory for the quiet diplomacy of the FA high command, led by chair Debbie Hewitt and chief executive Mark Bullingham, who have repaired relations with Infantino after the “One Love” armband row at the 2022 World Cup.Infantino confirmed Fifa plans to expand the tournament from 32 teams to 48 – matching the growth of the men’s World Cup – from the 2031 edition which will be held in the USA, with the world body likely to rule all four host nations will qualify automatically.Unlike Euros 2028, when Northern Ireland was unable to come up with a venue big enough, minimum stadium capacities of 20,000 mean Belfast’s Windsor Park can be used for the tournament.A formal list of stadiums will be drafted over the next few months, with Wrexham likely to want to join Cardiff in hosting Welsh matches and Edinburgh and Aberdeen potential Scottish options as well as Glasgow.The last major women’s football tournament to take place on British soil was the 2022 Women’s Euros hostedCredit: GettyGrounds across England will be considered with the FA aiming to ensure it is a national celebration of the women’s game.Read More on The SunBullingham said: “We are honoured to be the sole bidder. Hosting the first Fifa World Cup since 1966 with our Home Nations partners will be very special.”That hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.” More

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    Inside the multi-million pound transformation of famous stadium where Celtic won European Cup in Lisbon

    IT’S the site of Celtic’s most famous triumph – with thousands of Hoops fans still visiting Lisbon each year for their very own Portuguese pilgrimage. But the contours of the famous Estadio Nacional where Billy McNeill once held the European Cup aloft are set to change – to the tune of a cool €25MILLION Euros modernisation.An aerial view of how the stadium will lookCredit: AFL architects Inside the sleek lounges at the refurbished venueCredit: AFL architects It’s a stylish upgrade to the famous old stadiumCredit: AFL Architects The good news for Hoops fans, though, is that the 81-year-old stadium won’t be getting bulldozed and rebuilt and will rather undergo a ‘sensitive and innovative redesign’.Led by Jock Stein and legendary skipper Billy McNeill, the Lisbon Lions triumphed over Italian giants Inter Milan in the Portuguese capital to become the first side from the Britain to win the biggest prize in club football.Goals from the great Tommy Gemmell and Stevie Chalmers saw the Hoops come from behind to win 2-1.The stadium where the match took place is a listed heritage site which was originally built six miles west of the city between 1939 and 1944 to designs by Portuguese architect Jacobetty Rosa.Located in close proximity to two massive stadia neighbours in the form of the Estadio da Luz and Jose Alvalade – the homes of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon respectively – the Estadio Nacional isn’t used so regularly these days. It still plays host to the Portuguese cup final – as well as rugby games.But refurbishment has been on the way since at least 2012 and while there is no start date for the work as yet, it’s closer than ever with AFL Architects winning the job for their designs.AFL are working with Lisbon-based Aires Mateus and Gonçalves Vieira Cruz after they won a competition with their designs – with the Portuguese Football Federation the client.Most read in FootballOne thing that will change with the new development is a new suspended canopy ROOF suspended over the stands. This will use a Pratt truss structure supported by four strategically braced points.Rangers and Celtic fans react to news away fans are BACK at Old Firm gamesThe stadium capacity will change too, actually coming down from 39,000 to 36,388.The architects claim that the stadium’s ‘unique integration into the natural landscape’ of Vale do Jamor will be retained.Estadio Nacional refurbishment – at a glanceKey features of the proposed refurbishment include: A striking new roof inspired by the stadium’s original design and site topography.VIP and VVIP lounges for premium experiences. State-of-the-art media facilities. Updated football, rugby, and athletics facilities. Enhanced accessibility throughout the venue. Extended toilet and concession areas. Improved sightlines for spectators. Refurbished landscaping that blends seamlessly with the Vale do Jamor.Back in 2022, the Lisbon Lions were named the best club side EVER.It topped a poll ahead of a Barca side led by Pep Guardiola and spearheaded by the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi, who won La Liga with 96 points and secured the Champions League.Manchester United’s famous 1998/99 side came a distant third with 14 per-cent of the vote.Billy McNeill holds aloft the European CupCredit: AFL architects How the covered main stand will now lookCredit: AFL architects Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More