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    How Chelsea’s £30million transfer signing Liam Delap can reinvigorate ex-Man City pal Cole Palmer in Blues masterplan

    CHELSEA are ready to rock and roll thanks to Liam and Cole.Blues ‘brothers’ Liam Delap and Cole Palmer were made in Manchester, at City’s academy, but have been reunited at Stamford Bridge.Liam Delap (left) and Cole Palmer celebrate a goal for Manchester City’s academy sideCredit: AlamyDelap has joined Palmer at Chelsea for £30millionCredit: GettyAnd £30million Delap, who netted 12 Premier League goals last season for relegated Ipswich, is the perfect striker for Enzo Maresca’s Masterplan.He can reinvigorate Palmer – and if this pair start firing, opposition defences will have to build a Wonderwall to stop them.They will even be side by side with shirt numbers – Delap has taken No9 and Palmer is now No10.Palmer is delighted Delap has opted to join the Blues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I’m excited to play with him. I was messaging him asking If he was coming and that.“I played with him at Under 18s, 21s. We went to the first team together.“‘He’s a great striker, one of the best in the Premier League. You can see from last season.“So I think he’ll help us a lot and hopefully score lots of goals.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhen the Blues signed Palmer, 23, for £42.5m, in what now looks like a cut-price deal, not many knew the talent that they had on their hands – but anyone who had watched City’s youth sides knew, including the club’s former academy coach Maresca.Delap, 22, can play a vital role for the Blues – he’s electric with his pace, direct running and movement. ‘To do what-‘ – Cole Palmer left confused as he’s asked to name his Premier League Mount RushmoreHe starred alongside ‘secret agent’ Romeo Lavia and Palmer in the youth team under Maresca, his understanding with the latter potentially being what will make him such a potent threat next season.But it will also improve Palmer, who tailed off last season despite netting 15 Prem goals.It might seem like it’s half the world away, but in one City Under-21 game against Spurs, they ran out 6-1 winners with Delap hitting a hat-trick, Palmer scoring twice and Lavia netting the other.Delap and Palmer wasn’t always a Harry Kane and Son Heung-min partnership where both would rack up huge goal contribution numbers – though that did happen enough.It was more about Delap’s movement and interplay allowing Palmer to be even more dangerous and get into the box with more ease.We’ve seen in games this season that because Palmer has been a lone threat at times, he can be doubled up on and nullified – but with Delap in the side that becomes much more difficult.In City’s youth team, Palmer, Felix Nmecha and Samuel Edozie benefited from Delap’s movement, as he would occupy the centre backs and allow Nmecha and Palmer to get shots off inside the box.In Manchester, Maresca knew how to get the best out of Delap by giving him the same kind of freedom Nicolas Jackson has been given up front, as he could drift wide or drop deep on the premise that when needed he would be in the right place at the right time to get the finishing touch.When you add the incoming Estevao Willian to that mix, as well as the ever-improving Noni Madueke and Enzo Fernandez – some might say they will be unstoppable.Read More on The SunIt will be interesting to see how the Blues go at the Club World Cup in America, which will hardly be an Oasis of calm.They will hope Liam and Cole have more success in the USA than Liam and Noel.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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    Cole Palmer changes Chelsea number as Liam Delap’s new shirt confirmed after £30million transfer from Ipswich

    COLE PALMER has switched to the No10 shirt at Chelsea – casting further doubt over Mykhailo Mudryk’s future.The winger has been provisionally suspended since December after failing a doping test while on international duty with Ukraine.Cole Palmer has taken the No10 shirt at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe number was previously held by the now-suspended Mykhailo MudrykCredit: GettyConfirmation of Mudryk’s B-sample results has still not been announced – with the £88.5million forward potentially facing a four-year ban.Chelsea and boss Enzo Maresca declared their support for the 24-year-old when news of his failed drugs test emerged.However, Maresca was caught off guard by Mudryk turning up and meeting fans in Wroclaw, Poland ahead of last week’s Conference League final.Asked about Mudryk being in Poland, Maresca said: “He is here? I don’t know. I am happy for Mischa to be here.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Shakhtar Donetsk player joined his team-mates at their party to celebrate winning the trophy and posed with a medal.But just over a week after partying with teammates, Murdyk has been replaced as the Blues’ No10 by star man Palmer.Chelsea insist it is no reflection of his personal situation and that – ahead of the new season – he will be assigned a new number.Mudryk wore the No15 shirt when he arrived at Stamford Bridge in January 2023 but was given the No10 after Christian Pulisic left the club that summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPalmer arrived from Manchester City at the same time and has worn No20 since.Chelsea’s announcement confirming the change did not mention Mudryk.The club have also confirmed that new £30m striker Liam Delap will wear the vacant No9 shirt for his new club.Delap will look to break the trend of Chelsea No9s failing to make an impact.The shirt number has been vacant for two years with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Romelu Lukaku, Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Morata, Radamel Falcao and Fernando Torres all having struggled in West London while wearing No9.Palmer seems certain his former City youth team-mate Delap will not suffer the same fate.He said: “I’m excited to play with him. I was messaging him asking If he was coming and that.“I played with him at Under 18s, 21s. We went to the first team together.Read More on The Sun“‘He’s a great striker, one of the best in the Premier League. You can see from last season.“So I think he’ll help us a lot and hopefully score lots of goals.”Liam Delap snatched the vacant No9 despite its ‘curse’Credit: GettyPalmer took the No20 when he arrived from Manchester CityCredit: Reuters More

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    Wanda Nara, 38, ‘dating PSG star and most eligible bachelor, 26,’ who was team-mates with ex-husband Mauro Icardi

    MAURO ICARDI’s ex-wife Wanda Nara has reportedly found a new man – and he used to be team-mates with her former husband.The 38-year-old married Icardi in 2014 but endured multiple break-ups and reconciliations.Wanda Nara has reportedly found love after her split from Mauro Icardi (pictured)Credit: Instagram @mauroicardiThe super WAG was in attendance at the CL final and sent out this snap to her 17.5m followersCredit: instagram @wanda_naraWanda has been single since splitting from Icardi last yearCredit: INSTAGRAMNara and the Galatasaray striker finally split for good last summer.And after a spell of enjoying single life, Nara has been linked with a new flame. The Wag-turned-agent was in Munich last Saturday to watch the Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan.Spanish journalist Yani Latorre claims Nara is seeing PSG’s “most eligible bachelor” Achraf Hakimi, 26, – a former team-mate of Icardi.READ MORE ON SPORTLAM host Yani Latorre claimed, via the Daily Star: “I have the name of the PSG player [Nara is dating].”He’s PSG’s most eligible bachelor. She knows him from Mauricio’s time at PSG.”It seems she is with Hakimi.”Wanda stayed where the PSG players and their families are [in Munich]. She participated in the intimate celebration at the hotel. Most read in Football”[She] was recording for MTV in Italy. They sent her a plane ticket, a hotel reservation, and a ticket to the stadium – someone from PSG.”Nara took over the duties of her husband’s agent, and helped mastermind a loan move from Inter Milan to PSG in 2019. Wanda Nara risks Instagram ban as Mauro Icardi’s ex-wife poses naked to promote new singleThe couple announced they had split in 2022, only to get back together.But last summer, Nara opened up about the end of their relationship, with the pair now heading for divorce.Nara told America TV: “For personal and health reasons, I tried once more, but it didn’t work. Let everyone talk. I’ve saved my silence for the last. “I know how hard endings are and what they cost. There are things on TV and the internet that aren’t true, but I accept it as part of the bad and who I am.Nara has been linked with PSG star Achraf Hakimi – a former teammate of IcardiCredit: Getty”I decided to end it, but Mauro and I will still be a family. It wasn’t a mistake to try more when there was love. “I regret nothing. These years were the best of my life, but now I must be alone.”There is no villain or third party. Our relationship was always stronger than it seemed from the outside. “My priority has always been my children, and now more than ever. Thank you for your respect.”Hakimi began his career at Real Madrid and is the captain of Morocco.He joined PSG in 2021 and has played 168 times for the Ligue 1 giants, scoring 23 goals.The star is currently single after divorcing ex-wife Hiba Abouk in 2023. Read More on The SunHakimi was married to the Spanish actress for three years.The couple have two sons, born in 2020 and 2022. Wanda has been single since splitting from Icardi last yearCredit: InstagramThe Argentine is a model and TV presenterCredit: InstagramShe boasts almost 18 million followers on Instagram aloneCredit: Instagram @wanda_naraWanda acted as Icardi’s agent during their time togetherCredit: Instagram @wandanara More

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    The absence of Earps, Kirby and Bright leaves a void – who are the England aces who can fill it?

    IN a month’s time England begin their the defence of their European Championship crown in Switzerland. Build-up to this year’s Euros has not been plain sailing in terms of some results on the pitch and shock announcements off it. England will compete in the Euros without vice captain Millie Bright following her withdrawal from selection before the tournamentCredit: GettyFran Kirby called time on her England playing career after being informed she would not be included in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this year’s EurosCredit: GettyMary Earps announced her international retirement five weeks before the start of the tournament in SwitzerlandCredit: APToday Sarina Wiegman will name the players included in her 23-strong England group who will battle for Euros glory. Three who will not be on her list are Mary Earps, Fran Kirby and Millie Bright. The trio were among the standout performers during England’s triumphant Euros charge three years ago. Five weeks before the start of this year’s contest Mary Earps announced her retirement from international football. Read More Football Stories Then came Fran Kirby, 31, hanging up her England boots after being informed that she would not be part of the squad for next month’s contest. And yesterday vice captain Bright withdrew herself from selection after bravely explaining her need to do so for her “health and future in the game”.  The Chelsea captain’s announcement followed a season in which she skippered her club to a domestic trophy treble, On the Daly Brightness podcast she hosts with former England ace Rachel Daly, Bright explained her decision was not taken lightly. Most read in FootballYesterday she said: “It was something that I’d spoken about with friends, family, the people around me, and I gave it a lot of thought. “But ultimately, I thought this was the best decision for the team, but also for myself and using this summer to zone into mentally, physically, getting myself back in tip-top condition.””It’s obviously hard, but I’m going to be the girls’ number one supporter and I know they’re going to go on and smash it.”Bright, Earps and Kirby have played a huge part in England’s recent success with all playing in every single game of their last Euros campaign. With all three unavailable for England, here is a look at who will fill the void at this year’s Euros. Hannah Hampton will be England’s first choice goalkeeper at this year’s Euros, her first major international tournamentCredit: GettyGoalkeeper options England’s shot stopper starter question has been answered with Hannah Hampton in place as their No1 for the Euros.The Chelsea player won her battle for a starting spot with Earps after emerging as a first team regular under Wiegman. This year Hampton has started in five of their last six Nations League games following Earps’ last start (final international appearance) on February 21. While England’s away form in the contest has been mixed, including a 2-1 loss to world champions Spain this week, Hampton kept clean sheets on three of those occasions. This includes their 1-0 win against the World Cup winners who are among their main rivals at this year’s Euros. While Hampton is set to be England’s starter in goal, it is not entirely clear who will be the next automatic choice after her.England have options in Anna Moorhouse and Man City’s Khiara Keating although both are yet to make their senior international debuts.  Last October Moorhouse won the National Women’s Soccer League shield with top-flight American club Orlando Pride A month later the former West Ham goalkeeper set a new record for the most clean sheets in a NWSL season with 13 in 26 games. A friendly clash with Jamaica as England’s final game before their Euros opener against France could be an opportunity to see Moorhouse or Keating tested. Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating are yet to make their senior international debutsCredit: AlamyPlaymaker and forward options Should Lauren James win her race back to fitness from a hamstring problem, she and Jess Park are likely to be England’s primary attacking midfielders as well as Ella Toone. All three have been deployed in the number 10 role under Wiegman although Toone and James have faced battles with injury in recent months. England also have Beth Mead’s creative capabilities from the wing. This week Wiegman revealed James was progressing well with her recovery from a hamstring issue. It is hoped the forward, who shone for England at the 2023 World Cup, will be fit enough to compete at the Euros. Lauren James hopes to win her race to back to fitness ahead of the Euros with England facing France in their Group D openerCredit: AlamyCentral defenceWith Bright’s withdrawal Alex Greenwood is likely to be deployed alongside Williamson in central defence. The Man City skipper’s vision and versatility have made her one of England’s most dependable figures in their backline.Her set-piece delivery skills will be a useful asset for the team. With 98 caps she is also one of England’s most experienced players on the pitch and a calming presence on the pitch. Read More on The SunAlex Greenwood is likely partner Lioness captain Leah Williamson in the centre of England’s defenceCredit: GettyAside from Greenwood, England also have the option of Jess Carter. The ex-Chelsea defender, who won the Concacaf Champions Cup with Gotham FC , is more than capable of operating centrally or as a full-back. More

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    ‘Furious’ Channel 4 F1 presenter slams trolls for horrific abuse about her appearance after undergoing operation

    FORMULA ONE presenter Lee McKenzie has slammed trolls for horrific abuse after undergoing an operation.The Channel 4 star is one of the top sports commentators around and currently fronts the channel’s F1 coverage.Channel 4’s F1 presenter Lee McKenzie has slammed trolls for online abuseCredit: AlamyShe said trolls mocked her appearance at the Spanish Grand PrixCredit: https://www.instagram.com/leemckenzietv/McKenzie has covered plenty of other sports in the past too, including the Olympics, Wimbledon and the Six Nations.She’s been leading Channel 4’s F1 coverage since 2016 and is often spotted at the season’s biggest races.However, McKenzie claims her most recent appearance did not go to plan.After turning up to present at the Spanish Grand Prix, she revealed that she had been subjected to vile abuse by trolls.READ MORE IN F1McKenzie says they took aim at her weight and appearance.And she has now revealed that she had gone to Spain after a gruelling operation in hospital last month.Writing on Instagram, McKenzie blasted: “I’ve been thinking about whether I should post this but I will as it’s not just about me, it’s for all women and men too.“Last month I went into hospital for an operation and I’ve been struggling with some health issues for a while now.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“As you see on here I’m a private person and I post about my work, not too much about life outside of work. I don’t need or want attention or validation. “But the comments about my appearance and weight at the Spanish Grand Prix have been horrific. I’ve had to turn off comments on my social media. It’s worth saying they came from women and men alike.F1 stars’ pets including driver with thirteen cats, Leclerc’s yacht-loving pooch and Hamilton’s dog Roscoe with own car McKenzie revealed she had been in hospital for an operation last monthCredit: https://www.instagram.com/leemckenzietv/McKenzie has been covering F1 for Channel 4 since 2016Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe ace has worked on other events including the Olympics and WimbledonCredit: Getty – Contributor“If you don’t like what someone wears or looks like on television, feel free to think about it but why send it to them? Why contact someone to be deliberately rude? “I’m a journalist and I’m good at my job and I’m furious that this affects me. But it does and there will be people out there getting similar abuse that are not as strong as me. Don’t do it.“The good news is that a larger operation that I thought I was going to get isn’t needed at the moment and things can be treated with medication. “Many people have this. It’s not about being unwell. It’s about the vile comments from women and men commenting on my appearance.“My health is improving and I’m back at the gym. For me. Not for anyone else. Think before you write to someone.” More

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    Harry Maguire’s lookalike League Two star brother wears crop top as Man Utd ace joins him on his stag do in Croatia

    HARRY MAGUIRE has joined his brother Laurence’s boozy stag do to sunny Croatia.The younger Maguire, who plays for MK Dons, headed off for the wild celebrations with his England star sibling getting fully involved.Laurence Maguire jetted off to Croatia for his stag doHarry Maguire, left, dressed far more ‘normal’ than his brother LaurenceLaurence decided to wear a ‘Croatia 2025’ open shirtThe League Two star is marrying Amelia JohnsonLaurence, who is an absolute ringer for his England defender brother, was spotted at Zrce Beach’s iconic party island over the weekend.The group of 30-plus wore snazzy multi-coloured beach shirts and quirky hats, with beers and cans in hand, during all hours of the trip.While Laurence wore a rainbow glitter crop top with silver tassels and rave sunglasses, Harry decided on a far more normal look.The groom, 28, posted several pictures of the group, including eldest brother Joe, enjoying Spring Break Island parties.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnother photo showed the League Two defender wearing a red bucket hat with a blue disco flyway top, which showed his entire chest.The last slide showed the group dancing to house music until the early hours.Laurence is marrying long-term sweetheart Amelia Johnson at a beautiful venue back in the UK on Thursday.It comes weeks after Harry played the full 90 minutes of Man Utd’s embarrassing Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in Bilbao.Most read in FootballThe group of 30-plus wore snazzy multi-coloured beach shirts, with Harry pictured in the middle of the back rowLaurence wore a red bucket hat with a blue disco flyway top one nightThe group spent days partying in CroatiaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHarry tied the knot with Fern Hawkins at a Crewe Registry Office in May 2022.The pair said their vows again in France at a romantic ceremony held at a chateau a month later.Harry Maguire’s wife Fern leads Man Utd Wags flocking to Bilbao for Europa League final with TottenhamHarry has endured another horror season with United suffering a record low finish in 15th in the Prem.Meanwhile, fellow centre-back Laurence joined MK Dons this season after winning promotion to League One with Crawley Town in the previous campaign.The Dons avoided relegation from the football league after finishing 19th in the table.The brothers, pictured together at the 2018 World Cup, look strikingly similarHarry married childhood sweetheart Fern Hawkins in 2022 More

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    Five contenders to replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull including shock return with star man at risk of F1 ban

    MAX VERSTAPPEN is just one point away from a race ban after ramming into George Russell in the Spanish Grand Prix last time out. The Dutchman must be on his best behaviour in the next two races in Canada and Austria before two points are wiped from his license. Verstappen admitted ramming into Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix was “not right”Credit: PAHe was slapped with his first two penalty points in the current rolling 12-month period after last year’s Austrian Grand Prix on June 30.He collided with Norris on 30 June, and even after those points expire this year he will still be three points away from suspension. Verstappen will be teetering on the edge of a ban until after the Mexican Grand Prix on 27 October having pushed Norris off the track in last year’s race there. There has been wide speculation over who will step into the Red Bull hot seat if the Dutchman is suspended, so SunSport gives you everything you need to know on the potential candidates. Isack Hadjar has finished in the points in five of the nine races this seasonCredit: AlamyISACK HADJAR The French-Algerian 20-year-old has impressed in his rookie campaign for Racing Bulls. He has enjoyed a meteoric rise from being left in tears in the season opener in Melbourne after crashing in the rain on the formation lap. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSince then he has finished in the points in five of the nine races this season and and secured a glittering fifth in qualifying in the Monaco show piece.The last rookie to achieve that feat was seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.Most read in MotorsportIt is early days yet but Hadjar’s aggressive driving style has been compared to Verstappen’s fierce approach. He also tested the 2024 car and found it “comfortable” rather than tricky like many others who have sat in the Red Bull cockpit.Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull futureWhen Red Bull boss Christian Horner was asked about Hadjar, he said: “I think he’s been the most outstanding rookie. He’s exceeded all of our expectations.”He’s been fast, consistent, and constantly delivered. His future, if he keeps performing as he is, is very bright.”Liam Lawson was axed as Red Bull’s No2 driver after just two races this seasonCredit: GettyLIAM LAWSON The Kiwi 23-year-old isn’t completely off the radar despite suffering a woeful TWO-RACE stint as a Red Bull driver at the start of this season.He suffered three early exits in all three qualifying sessions, including the sprint, and didn’t bag a single point before being turfed out to Racing Bulls for Yuki Tsunoda. However, Lawson has experience with this season’s car and that could boost his credentials when weighing up the options for a one-off race. Things are looking up for the Racing Bulls driver too with him securing his first points in Monaco. Daniel Ricciardo was bought back into the Red Bull family in 2023 to race for their junior teamCredit: EPADANIEL RICCIARDO This is a huge blast from the past but Aussie maestro Ricciardo, 35, is a wild shout to fill in for Verstappen. Afterall, he is an experienced, senior head in the paddock, remains a favourite of Horner and has bags of experience with the team. Ricciardo knows the team inside and out, having spent two seasons with the junior side before enjoying five years as a Red Bull driver.He won seven grands prix racing alongside both Red Bull legends Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.Horner bought him back into the Red Bull family at the end of 2023 with the then-junior team Alpha Tauri before he was dropped for Liam Lawson the following year.Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa filled in for Verstappen in FP1 in Bahrain this yearCredit: RexAYUMU IWASA The Japanese Super Formula driver has been part of the team’s junior drivers’ programme since 2021. Marko said at the start of the season: “We have Ayumu Iwasa as our reserve driver” with the 23-year-old an F3 and F2 race winner. It is a big shout for him to replace Verstappen for a one-off race though with his more likely destination being a stand in driver for Racing Bulls. He filled in for Verstappen in FP1 at this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix, and made his Racing Bulls debut in practise in Suzuka last year. Brit driver Arvid Lindblad has been making waves in Red Bull’s junior programmeCredit: GettyARVID LINDBLAD The 17-year-old Brit is a future star of Red Bull, having been with the team for four-years. He continues to make waves this season, making his debut in F2 for Camps Racing, as part of Red Bull’s junior team. He stood on top of the podium this season for the Saudi Arabian sprint race and in Spain last time out. It would still be a huge step up to be thrust into the Red Bull seat and his age is also a barrier. The FIA announced in 2016 that an F1 driver must be at least 18 unless they are “judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition”.Read More on The SunEarlier this year Helmut Marko revealed they had applied for an exemption from the FIA’s ruling that drivers under the age of 18 are not eligible to receive a super license.They want to promote Lindblad to official reserve driver status so he may be well be on the F1 grid soon. More

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    Serie A star Joan Gonzalez forced to retire aged just 23 with rare heart condition after club doctor ‘saved his life’

    SERIE A star Joan Gonzalez has been forced to retire aged 23 due to a heart condition.The former Barcelona academy starlet joined Lecce from the Catalan giants in 2021.Joan Gonzalez has been forced to hang up his bootsCredit: GettyGonzalez did not feature last season, after a congenital heart condition was detected in the summer of 2024.Following recent further tests, the midfielder was forced to hang up his boots.Explaining the situation, club president Sticchi Damiani said: “He will not receive medical clearance.”The season began, unfortunately, with a major obstacle: the bad news about Joan Gonzalez, who failed his medical.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We called him back after a year for a new check-up, which took place a few days ago, and the situation remains the same.”Damiani was then full of praise for Lecce’s medical staff.The Italian continued: “A round of applause to our medical team, to Dr. Tondo, because they detected a congenital condition that is very difficult to diagnose.”It’s a case study. Thanks to that, the boy’s life was saved.”Most read in FootballDamiani also gushed over Gonzalez’s professionalism and ability.The Lecce chief added: “He has faced it with a balance, serenity and intelligence that make us think he would have been a great footballer.”Newcastle confirm first summer signing after pipping Barcelona, Real Madrid and Porto to Spanish wonderkidDamiani then admitted that he believes Gonzalez will become a “great manager”.The Spaniard played 66 times for Lecce’s first team, scoring twice.Gonzalez’s final appearance came on May 26, 2024 – in his side’s 0-0 draw with Napoli on the final day of the 2023-24 season.Gonzalez had to sit out of the 24-25 seasonCredit: Getty More