Philippa Kaur

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    Arsenal could be forced to rip up transfer plans thanks to ‘big question marks’ over two players, reveals Arteta

    MIKEL ARTETA says there are “big question marks” over Kai Havertz and Gabriel’s post-surgery recoveries that could force Arsenal to change their transfer plans.The Gunners are still reeling after Brazilian star Gabriel was ruled out for the season following an operation on a hamstring injury picked up in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Fulham.Mikel Arteta says there are ‘big question marks’ over Kai Havertz and Gabriel’s post-surgery recoveriesCredit: GettyGabriel has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: ReutersArteta said Arsenal may have to adapt their targets based on how Gabriel and Havertz recoverCredit: GettyHe joins striker Havertz in the medical room — with the German plotting a return next term following hamstring surgery in February, while forward Gabriel Jesus and defender Takehiro Tomiyasu are out until the end of 2025.Arsenal boss Arteta as previously said this summer’s transfer window — with new sporting director Andrea Berta through the door — will be a “big one” as they look to sign an elite No 9.Yet the Spaniard now says they may have to adapt their targets based on how Gabriel and Havertz return to pre-season and whether a much deeper squad is required to protect the pair from being pushed too hard  on their returns.Ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Everton on Saturday, on how tough it is to plan for the  summer with the injuries they have, Arteta explained: “It makes it harder. READ MORE ON ARSENAL“There are some players who will start the season after surgical intervention and that’s always a big question mark.“We don’t know how  capable those players are going to be to sustain  congested periods.“Let’s see if it affects our transfer plans but we have to be very conscious of that.“There are a lot of uncertainties in relation to what some of those players are going to be able to cope with, especially for the first five, six months of the season.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal have now had four players suffer from hamstring injuries this season.Gabriel Martinelli was out for a month earlier this year, while Bukayo Saka only made his comeback against the Cottagers in midweek from an op in December.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewHavertz could be back in training by June but Gabriel faces an uphill battle to return before the start of next season in early August.Arteta has hit back at those who criticise the club’s training and medical methods, suggesting it is something they “cannot control”.He was forced to rest centre-back Gabriel for games against Manchester United and Fulham back in December with a tight hamstring and he added: “I was very tempted to play him.“If I would’ve played him and he has the injury that he’s sustained now and misses four months (cut throat gesture), I would be hammered.“So, sometimes when the player is totally protected, this happens as well. There is an element we cannot control.”Timber was also forced off against FulhamBen White and Jurrien Timber, both with knee issues, are also doubts for today as well as Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at home to Real Madrid.Timber hobbled off late on against Fulham and the defensive duo will face late fitness tests on Saturday morning before the Goodison clash.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Saka is pushing to start for the first time since December 21, after scoring seven minutes into a cameo off the bench in Tuesday’s comeback.Arteta added: “He needs exposure and he’s going to have exposure. It’s clear in the last two days, he’s demanding more, so that’s a good sign.”Arsenal ratings v FulhamARSENAL had a night of mixed fortunes as they beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates.Bukayo Saka not only returned but also scored after 101 days out.But injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber ahead of next week’s visit of Real Madrid took the gloss off the win.Here’s How SunSport’s Josh Hall rated Mikel Arteta’s men on the night.DAVID RAYA – 7Week by week Raya is staking a claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.He doesn’t have to face a barrage of shots as part of this Arsenal team, but rarely falters when he is called upon.His distribution and preventative high claims are also among the best around.There was little he could have done to stop Rodrigo Muniz’s deflected goal.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6It looked like the Dutchman’s night was going to be cut short around the half an hour mark when he went down clutching his knee.Fortunately, he was able to play on and even managed to test Bend Leno with a stinging effort in the second half.Unfortunately his earlier knock proved too much and he was taken off with a niggle in the 75th minute.Arsenal could now be without at least two starting defenders for their clash with Real Madrid.GABRIEL – N/AJust when Arsenal fans thought they were creeping out of their injury crisis with the return of Bukayo Saka, they lose another top star.Gabriel hobbled off after just 15 minutes to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior.Arteta – and every Arsenal fan up and down the country – will be hoping the wall at the back will be fighting fit for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next week.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Stepped up to the plate in Gabriel’s absence and looked assured both on and off the ball.His frame did wonders to prevent Raul Jimenez from fashioning any chances in dangerous areas.However, he wasn’t able to do enough to stop Rodrigo Muniz from batting it against him to pull a late goal back for Fulham.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Every time you see Lewis-Skelly play you wonder how he’s only 18 and not a seasoned pro with years of experience at the top.He didn’t set the world alight against the Cottagers, but looked just as assured and comfortable as he always does – this time without Gabriel by his side.While he also made an important bloke to prevent Muniz after Fulham had pulled back a late goal.Mikel Arteta has splashed the cash to have a plethora of options at left-back, yet it seems like the Hale End academy graduate is now the number one choice for that position.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Almost gifted Fulham a golden opportunity with a loose header in the first half, but saw David Raya pop up to save the day.Despite a few loose touches he did enough to keep the ball moving in central areas.He’s become an important starter for Arsenal this season, yet still seems to be on his way out in the summer on the expiration of his deal.DECLAN RICE – 6He’s not a glamorous footballer, but he’s always going to give 100 per cent no matter what.Certainly not his worst game in an Arsenal shirt, but by no means his best.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Another frustrating night for the Arsenal captain who seems to have been unable to find the keys to unlock the low block his side faces each week.The Norwegian is certainly one of the best talents in the league, but has only shown it in glimpses this season.Arsenal as a whole looked a bit laboured and lacklustre at times, often that’s a result of the way Odegaard is playing. When he ticks, the whole team does too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 9Regularly made Timothy Castagne look silly throughout the match and get into dangerous positions by the byline.But despite fashioning plenty of opportunities, the Brazilian was – as per usual – struggling with his end product in the first half.It almost seemed as if every shot or final pass was rushed or snatched at for the opening 45 minutes.That changed in the second half when his delightful flick perfectly teed up Bukayo Saka for a dream return to action.Finally looked like he had the goal to top off a spectacular performance in the dying moments, but was deemed to be marginally offside when his effort found the back of the net.ETHAN NWANERI – 7Bright spark in the opening exchanges and volleyed one right down the throat of Bernd Leno in the 21st minute as he looked the most likely to find the back of the net at first.Instead it was his cutback that helped open the scoring when he placed it on to the boot of Mikel Merino to poke home the first goal of the night.Replaced by Saka in the second half in perhaps a foreshadowing of what might happen to his role in the squad for the remainder of the season.MIKEL MERINO – 8Merino has stepped up the role of of make-shift striker with the sort of professionalism you would want from any player in your team.He might not make darting runs behind the back four, or curl delightful efforts round the keeper, but he’s certainly got a knack for goal.His punt towards goal took a healthy deflection off Jorge Cuenca to send it into the corner, but he won’t care – now netting an impressive five goals in eight games as a centre-forward.He almost made that six when he rifled another effort goalward from a corner in the 60th minute.SUBS: JAKUB KIWIOR – 4 (ON FOR GARBRIEL 15mins)Always a tough task to replace one of the best defenders in the league, but didn’t do enough to impress at all.Sloppily gave the ball away to gift a golden opportunity to Adama Traore in the second half, but was lucky to see the shot blazed wide.He was partly to blame for leaving Rodrigo Muniz wide open for his wayward header on the 80th minute mark – once again saved by sloppy finishing.With each game that passes it seems to be more obvious that the Polish international just isn’t at the required level.BUKAYO SAKA – 8 (ON FOR NWANERI 66mins)The Emirates erupted in its loudest cheer of the night when Saka made his return to action after 21 games and 101 days on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.That was until he nodded home the Gunners’ second just six minutes after crossing the line and an even louder roar bellowed around N5.Arsenal have missed him dearly, and a return right before perhaps the biggest European game in the Emirates era could be crucial for Mikel Arteta’s side.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5 (ON FOR TIMBER 77mins)Had very little impact on the match coming on so late, but did nick the ball off the foot of captain Odegaard who was lining up a thunderous effort. 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    Gvardiol is ‘Crossword King’ who bought his fisherman dad a house and is helping steer Man City through choppy waters

    MANCHESTER CITY’S alarming slump over this season has been something of a puzzle.Some say the clues had been there for some time — but even the old master himself Pep Guardiola has struggled to solve it.Josko Gvardiol’s development has delighted Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyOne thing the Etihad boss knows is the campaign would have been even more difficult without City’s ‘Crossword King’.Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol was given the nickname by veteran 39-year-old keeper Scott Carson as he has recently started doing word games.And this week Guardiola plucked out a good word to describe his versatile defender — calling him a ‘warrior’.With many of Pep’s backline going down injured, Gvardiol has started all but two of his team’s 30 Prem matches this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former RB Leipzig man has also proved himself to be a box-to-box defender — and is currently joint third in City’s top scorers in the league this term.Earlier this week, Guardiola said: “Josko has been like a warrior — all the time he is there.“I cannot imagine what would happen without him.“I’m grateful for his focus and that he is ready all the time.”Most read in FootballPEP’S STILL THE MAGIC MANBy MARTIN BLACKBURNJOSKO GVARDIOL insists Pep Guardiola is not losing his magic, despite his side’s worrying slide.Gvardiol has worked with the Manchester City  boss for two years but wishes they could have linked up earlier.The Croatian defender feels  Pep’s team talk before last Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final  win at Bournemouth showed why the ex-Barcelona chief is rated so highly.Former RB Leipzig man  Gvardiol, 23, said: “When I got back home from Bournemouth, I was thinking about the meeting we had before the game.“I said to myself ‘I’m  so unlucky I haven’t joined earlier’ — I mean that I didn’t have the opportunity to work with him earlier.“He said something that really changed my mind a little bit. I’m not going to tell you what it was.“But I wish that you could have the opportunity to sit with him and listen to his speech.“It was inspiring, yes, especially after the whole season.”BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKGuardiola will need his £77million man to stay focussed and ready if his team are to win the FA Cup and claim a Champions League spot over the next couple of months.So in the build-up to Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford,  Gvardiol will have his head buried in a newspaper from back home.Pep Guardiola talks about Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to leave Man City after 10 years Gvardiol said: “I just started doing crosswords a few days ago. So I got a new nickname from Scott Carson, it’s ‘Crossword King’.“I’ve been getting them from newspapers in Croatia.“Kristijan Jakic, who plays for Augsburg in Germany, is a friend of mine and when we were with the national team, one day I went to his room and I saw him doing a crossword.“I was like, ‘what are you doing’ but to be honest I am addicted now.“What I like to do is wake up, grab a coffee and do it for an hour or two.“Even yesterday on the plane, on Saturday, I went to Bournemouth — and on the way back as well.“I feel like we spend too much time on phones and things we should avoid, especially before the game, to stay focused, to stay in the game. And follow the match plan.”Hard work and focus runs in the Gvardiol family.His father Tihomir was a fisherman back in Croatia for many years. Even now, he still gets up in the early hours to sell seafood at Zagreb’s biggest market — with his octopus considered a speciality.Guardiola has lost none of his managerial mastery, says GvardiolCredit: RexWhen the Croatia international got his first pay cheque at RB Leipzig, he fulfilled a promise to buy a house with a garden for his parents back home.Gvardiol  said of his father: “He still works. He’s still doing it and I don’t know why to be honest — I’ve told him that many times.“He needs to wake up at 4am or 5am prepare everything, put the ice, everything has to be fresh.“But yeah, I think that’s just inside of him. He’s proud of the job, I guess.”Gvardiol Sr has lost one customer in recent years — with young Josko moving away and also getting a bit bored of eating up all the leftover fish.The  City centre-back said: “You know what the problem is? When I was younger we used to eat a lot of fish — every two or three days.“Obviously because he works with the fish. I wouldn’t say that I don’t like  it, but I’m a bit sick of it. You eat it every day.“But now when I go home I have it.  He likes to do octopus salad with some potatoes.”Gvardiol has compiled impressive stats this seasonTihomir was an amateur footballer himself and is full of advice for his boy.He will be watching the Manchester derby at home on television as he can get a better feel for it there.For a while the family wondered if Josko might fancy following in his father’s footsteps with a career as a fisherman — but it was clear when he ventured out  to sea the first time that this would  not happen.He said: “I went out just once. I wouldn’t recommend it to you guys. It’s too loud. I was young and I wanted to sleep in the cabin.“But the engine was too loud and the smell and everything, it is just chaos on the boat.”Chaotic is a good word to describe City’s season but Gvardiol has provided some stability in the choppy waters.Yet he almost decided to bail out of football altogether when the former Dinamo Zagreb player was a teenager — and focus on becoming a basketball player instead.“I said, ‘I’m going to wait one more year and see what will happen’. As you can see, I’m still a footballer.”Josko GvardiolHe recalled: “Back when I was 16 or 17 I had some problems with the manager. I wasn’t happy because I was on the bench most of the games.“At that time I was thinking, because I’m good at basketball as well, I wasn’t sure if I should continue with football or move to basketball.“It’s like that in our family, we love every sport. Not just football, but also handball.“My sister plays handball, my other sister plays volleyball.“At the end, I spoke to my father about it. He said that every year there is a new manager coming.Read More on The Sun“I said, ‘I’m going to wait one more year and see what will happen’. As you can see, I’m still a footballer.”Ahead of tomorrow’s trip across Manchester, City fans will be grateful for that. More

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    Baller League is an expensive gamble and might be a football circus act but if it entertains, it is no worse for that

    THE NEWEST of football clones has popped up on our screens — with “baller” introduced to millions of people who, like me, had no idea such a sport had been invented.All of football’s components are there bar the size of the playing pitch and the number of players in a team.Baller League has seen the likes of Maya Jama and Alisha Lehmann getting involvedCredit: GettyKarren Brady claims Baller League might be an expensive gambleCredit: GettyKSI is among the celebrities behind the conceptCredit: AFPLove Island host Maya Jama is a taking charge of a Baller League teamCredit: GettyAs a professional game it certainly has possibilities. One of them is work for part-time footballers who, I believe, are being paid £400 a time for the programme showing weekly on Sky TV.Evidently, the objective is for baller to be shown when there is no professional action: summer, some evenings and afternoons.Every fair-sized city has a potential venue and I guess crowds of a thousand or so would make it viable.The Baller League — headlined by rapper KSI for the UK version — sees former Premier League stars, futsal players and celebrities face one another in 12 teams to win the league.Read More on FootballIt is featured every Monday until June 2 on indoor football pitches at London’s Copper Box Arena.Matches are in 15-minute halves and favour strong tacklers and skilled ball players, while teams are six-a-side with, in all, 12 players available.There are no corners — but it is vital the ball is kept in play or penalties will be awarded.Bafflingly, different rules are added in the last three minutes of each half while at another point it becomes three against three.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs players of indoor or five-a-side football know — let alone of rugby sevens — repeated acceleration quickly becomes exhausting. In baller, emergency dashes are even demanded regularly of goalkeepers.The essence is speed and accuracy with plenty of goals, perhaps too many for the purist. The match I saw ended 7-3 and latterly scoring became too common.Fans joke Baller League is the ‘future’ as madcap footage of debut night emerges Over a long time, ingenious people have been inventing football games, from five-a-side to Subbuteo, street footie by children to underwater football, never mind a distant relation, American football.And then there is futsal, which claims 12 million players worldwide.In 2014, more than 56,000 turned up to watch a match between Brazil and Argentina in Brasilia.A baller bid for such popularity as a spectator sport would entail many millions of pounds of investment and club costs would initially be considerable.Baller League at least provides live rather than deadbeat action The weekly programmes on Mondays are shoot or bust for the future and could fall into the category of “don’t call me!”.But plenty of professional players, along with others who have passed skill tests, will earn those £400-a-time cheques.I don’t know how much John Terry, Ian Wright, Alan Shearer or Gary Lineker receive as managers but their names alone suggest seriousness of purpose.The whole enterprise is an expensive gamble in which generally third-rate or retired players must entertain viewers in a league of no importance.Read More on The SunThe same could be said of most TV competitions and baller at least has the virtue of providing live rather than deadbeat action.It might be a football circus act but if it entertains millions of people, it is no worse for that.Lehmann is helping Baller League attract a large audienceCredit: PAJohn Terry has linked up with the likes of Gary Lineker and Ian WrightCredit: PA More

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    Wife of Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana ‘robbed of £62K handbag and Rolex’ in horror theft as man, 25, charged

    THE wife of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was reportedly robbed of her £62,000 Hermes Birkin bag and a Rolex watch.Model Melanie Kamayou had her bling snatched outside an Italian restaurant in Cheshire on March 29.Andre Onana’s wife was reportedly robbed outside an Italian restaurantCredit: INSTAGRAM @melaniekamayouThe alleged thief is said to have taken Melanie Kamayou’s Birkin bag and Rolex watchCredit: Instagram @melaniekamayouThe Hermes Birkin bag (pictured) that was snatched was worth £62,000Credit: Instagram @melaniekamayouLiam Ross, 25, from the Wibsey area of Bradford, has been charged with the high-value robbery, the Daily Mail reports.The alleged thief is claimed to have taken the ultra-luxury designer goods in the heart of the picturesque Cheshire village.Ross appeared before Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, also facing a charge of supplying cannabis. He’s due back in court at Chester Crown Court in May.Melanie, who describes herself online as a pharmacist, businesswoman and philanthropist, often poses up with her luxury possessions online.One of these items in a £62,000 Hermes Birkin bag – a brand widely considered the rarest and most sought-after in the world.Hermes Birkin bags can fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds with the priciest one ever sold going for a jaw-dropping £1.5million.The high-end handbag owner has been married to football star Onana since 2023 and the pair are reported to have a son together.Most read in FootballThey moved to the UK when Onana signed for United from Inter Milan last summer.He’s since made 92 appearances for the Red Devils, including in their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?The couple now live in Alderley Edge, a magnet for Premier League stars past and present. It’s been nicknamed the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’ and is home to some of football’s biggest names and flashiest cars.The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney have all called the village home.More recently, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson, as well as Man City’s Raheem Sterling and Virgil van Dijk, have been spotted in the area.It’s also a hotspot for supercar enthusiasts, with Porsches, Lamborghinis and Ferraris lining the leafy streets – and drawing photographers from across the country.The Sun has contacted Cheshire Police for more information.Melanie often posts glamorous snaps flaunting her designer bagsCredit: Instagram @melaniekamayouAndre Onana and Melanie tied the knot in 2023Credit: AlamyThe pair moved to the UK last summerCredit: Instagram @melaniekamayou More

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    Dean Huijsen warned dream Real Madrid transfer could turn into his worst nightmare with ‘pretty face’ not enough to play

    DEAN HUIJSEN has been warned a dream move to Real Madrid could turn into his worst nightmare.The Bournemouth centre-back is high on the Santiago Bernabeu hitlist after an amazing debut season in England.Dean Huijsen was warned by former coach Juanito that a move to Real Madrid may turn into a nightmareCredit: RexHuijsen has taken the Premier League by storm with BournemouthCredit: RexThe Spanish giants are preparing to trigger the £50million release clause on a contract that runs to 2030.Yet the man who gave the Netherlands-born Spain defender his break believes joining Real would be a step backwards — because he would struggle to get a game.And the best big-picture decision would be for the 19-year-old to stick with the Cherries for now, as the queue of would-be suitors will only get bigger.Juan Gutierrez, 45, was on the coaching staff at Malaga when Huijsen arrived as a ten-year-old and was snapped up by Juventus — ironically ahead of Real — six years later in 2021.Read More on FootballGutierrez — known as Juanito — was blown away by the youngster’s leadership qualities then and has watched them grow every year since, even though he is still so young.But he thinks that would come to a grinding halt at the Bernabeu, as the European champions have always preferred tried-and-tested to potential.Juanito insisted: “Dean is going to be a leader no matter where he goes, so I hope whoever signs him they play him as a starter, and he’s not a project for the future. He is a player for now.”There are very few like that at his age, which is why I don’t know to what extent it would be a good option to sign for Real.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“No one can guarantee you’ll play because of your pretty face but if he leaves Bournemouth, it shouldn’t be to sit on the bench.“At Madrid, Eder Militao is 27 and Antonio Rudiger is in his second youth.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen forced to deny being stoned after ‘weird’ question“Those two are untouchable and a recovered David Alaba would also be ahead of him.“Carlo Ancelotti is an incredible manager but not a coach for young players — so Dean would be fourth-choice centre-back. That’s the reality.“Barcelona is the opposite. They’re not afraid to use players from the academy but at Real the problem is the mentality of the club. Dean has to go to a place with a vision for the future, with guarantees he’ll play.“But maybe staying at Bournemouth with Andoni Iraola for another year is the best option.”It has been so far for Huijsen, who was capped by Spain in the recent Nations League break and is due to be in the Bournemouth side heading to West Ham on Saturday.Ramos and Van Dijk comparisonsJuanito is convinced those caps are the first of many for a player some liken to Sergio Ramos — but who he reckons could be as influential as Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.He added: “Maybe mentally, I can see little things similar to Ramos but on the pitch there is no comparison. Dean is more disciplined and, certainly at this age, more confident.“From the start he was a marvel. He’d listen to what you told him and absorb it incredibly well. He would recognise a mistake and the next day would improve.“Dean just doesn’t feel any pressure and has unlimited self-confidence.Read More on The Sun“If injuries are not a problem then, whoever signs him, he’ll be a cheap buy because he will be a dominant defender in world soccer for many years to come.“Wherever he goes, I could see him having the same impact Van Dijk has had on Liverpool’s history in recent seasons. The only team he’s not going to change is Real Madrid.” More

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    Two Manchester United stars share secret love of fishing after being spotted in angling shop dressed in training gear

    MANCHESTER United stars Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui have struck up a reel friendship — by going fishing together.The pair unexpectedly popped into an angling shop last week while still dressed in their training gear.How Man Utd aces Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui might look on a fishing tripDutch striker Zirkzee, 23, spent around an hour inside the angling shopCredit: AlamyZirkzee was spotted alongside Moroccan defender Mazraoui, 27Credit: AlamyDutch striker Zirkzee, 23, and Moroccan defender Mazraoui, 27, spent around an hour inside Trafford Tackle & Bait in Stretford, a couple of miles from Old Trafford.Owner Jeff Smith said he initially did not know who they were, but they were spotted by kids buying sweets next door.Jeff, 48, told The Sun: “They were great. They had tracksuits on but I don’t know United players so I thought they were from the academy.“They asked me lots of questions about fishing around the area and what kind of tackle they should use.Read more on Man Utd”They were interested in buying rods and reels and got some live maggots as bait.”The two Red Devils also happily posed for pictures to the delight of the schoolkids.A mum said: “They were both lovely. Some of the children asked for pictures and they were really happy and friendly towards them.”Mazraoui previously told how he fished to help him relax while at Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballOther rod-loving footballers include Manchester City ace Phil Foden, who bought a home with its own lake so he could teach his son Ronnie.Former England goalkeeper David Seaman was told to “calm down” Paul Gascoigne by taking him fishing at Euro 96. Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham have also had a dangle.Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’ More

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    Gary Lineker explains why BBC need THREE presenters to replace him on MOTD and gives verdict on trio

    GARY LINEKER suggested he is being replaced by THREE presenters on Match of the Day because it is such a “massive commitment”.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of MOTD after 26 years in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Lineker will be replaced by three presenters on Match of the DayCredit: BBCMOTD2 host Mark Chapman is among the replacementsCredit: PALogan will be a regular on Saturday nights from now onCredit: PASky favourite Cates is making the switchCredit: PAThe legendary presenter will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, who will rotate from next term.The England great joked that he thinks it’s a compliment that so many people are needed to succeed him, but he admits this decision has nothing to do with his legacy.Instead, the Leicester icon believes this comes down to family reasons as the job would demand they all sacrifice a number of weekends that they could spend with their loved ones over the next few years.The former Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona hitman himself recently stated that he never really had Saturdays and Sundays off throughout his adult life.Read More on FootballSo the TV star claims that having all three available on a rotation basis would allow them to continue enjoying quality time with their families.And he is very much looking forward to watching the new team of “top presenters” doing a “great job”.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.’This is why I don’t talk to old people’ – Maya Jama bites back at Gary Lineker after he revealed relationship status“I’ll be watching, but probably on iPlayer… I don’t think I’ll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I’m in.”Lineker confirmed recently that he will no longer do TV after leaving the BBC and will instead focus on his podcasts. More

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    Moment Szoboszlai watches on in horror as statue of himself that ‘looks like my a** turned inside out’ is unveiled

    LIVERPOOL star Dominik Szoboszlai was left horrified after watching a gruesome statue made in his honour be unveiled.But the Hungarian midfielder took it on the chin when it was revealed as a prank.Dominik Szoboszlai was left horrified after meeting his distorted statueCredit: Youtube @telekomThe Liverpool star was pranked by Hungary’s leading telecommunications companyCredit: Youtube @telekomThe sculpture made Szoboszlai look rather scaryCredit: Youtube @telekomThe Hungary captain took it in his stride and stood next to the tin-pot figure to take a pictureCredit: Youtube @telekomSzoboszlai became the unwitting star of an elaborate April Fool’s Day prank set up by Hungary’s leading telecommunications company.The 24-year-old attended what he believed to be a low-key event to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his partnership with Telekom.But he was greeted with a scary life-sized statue that didn’t resemble him at all.Gazing upon a huge, glistening chin, deformed cheeks and a monstrous quiff, the Hungary captain had every right to be shocked.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo rub salt into his wounds, the sculpture was made up of junk – mainly 1,200 smashed up mobile phones, which was meant to promote the company’s electronic waste recycling initiative.Footage from Telekom’s YouTube channel captured Szoboszlai’s candid reaction – which went from glee to misery in seconds.But despite his obvious fury, the Hungary captain took it in his stride and stood next to the tin-pot figure to take pictures.The Prem star was then summoned into a separate room, where he gave a more honest reaction to his two pals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter being asked if he liked it, Szoboszlai said: “No. I was this close to walking out. I only stayed because I respect you. “I don’t think this has ever happened before, to do something without asking.”Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq The trio then turned and spotted a variety of merchandise, including the statue’s distorted face on mugs and T-shirts.Szoboszlai then hilariously quipped: “This looks nothing like me. It looks like my a** turned inside out.”The presenters behind the prank were in hysterics while watching his reaction on cameras back stage.The former RB Leipzig star then returned to the main room to find out that a giant version of the statue would be placed at a busy intersection in the city.He was also made to believe that it would be floated down the River Danube on a barge on Hungary’s national holiday on August 20.His face was a picture throughout before Telekom unveiled the major prank. Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Szoboszlai has been a key figure for Liverpool this season.He has started 23 of his 28 games available this term, scoring five goals and providing four assists, as the Reds close in on the title in Arne Slot’s first season at the helm. More