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      Joey Barton denies branding Jeremy Vine ‘bike nonce’ & comparing female pundits to Fred & Rose West on social media

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      JOEY Barton has denied sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentators Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.The former footballer allegedly compared the pundits to Fred and Rose West and branded Radio 2 presenter Vine a “bike nonce”.Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to sharing offensive social media postsCredit: PAHe allegedly targeted Eni AlukoCredit: GettyBarton is also accused of posting about Lucy WardCredit: GettyBarton appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today where he pleaded not guilty to 12 charges against him.The 42-year-old is accused of sending grossly offensive communications with the intention of causing distress or anxiety.Barton allegedly shared the posts on X in January, February and March last year.He referred to Aluko and Ward as Fred and Rose West – calling both “serial killers”, the court heard.Barton also allegedly claimed Aluko was “only there to tick a box” and compared both pundits to Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot”.At the time, both Aluki and Ward were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton allegedly branded him a “big bike nonce”.Most read in FootballThe former Man City star is due to stand trial later this year.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.The ex-footballer also allegedly called Jeremy Vine a ‘bike nonce’Credit: PABarton is due to stand trial later this yearCredit: PA More

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      Radisa Ilic dead at 47: Former Serbia and Partizan goalkeeper pronounced dead after ‘falling from apartment window’

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      SERBIAN football has been plunged into mourning after ex-international goalkeeper Radisa Ilic was found dead outside his apartment.Ilic, 47, won five league titles and two cups during two spells with Partizan Belgrade.Former Serbia international Radisa Ilic has been found deadCredit: GettyCapped once, he also played for Partizan’s city rivals OFK Beograd plus clubs in Romania and Greece.Ilic had worked as goalkeeping coach at Partizan and other Serbian’s sides since hanging up his boots in 2013.But he was pronounced dead on Thursday after falling from his apartment window, according to Belgrade media.Partizan paid tribute to Ilic in a heartfelt message on their website.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe club wrote: “FK Partizan is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Radisa Ilic who died today at the age of 47.”During his career, Ilic spent two playing spells at Partizan – first one in a period between 1998 and 2003 followed by a 2010-2013 spell.”When he returned to the club in 2010, he made a great contribution to help Partizan reach Champions League group stage. “He was pivotal in CL qualifiers and took part in unforgettable penalty shoot-out series against Anderlecht, when Belgian team players missed three penalties, allowing Partizan to progress to the competition`s group stage.Most read in Football”This heroic performance made him a fans’ favourite and earned him a chant ‘You’re our No.1 keeper, Radisa!’.”Ilic was born in Bajina Basta, making his early football step locally before moving to nearby Uzice to play for Sloboda where he spent four years. Partizan took the note of his great performances and signed him in 1998.He spent five seasons with the club before moving to National Bucuresti. Ilic was soon back in Serbian football, signing for Borac Cacak followed by a spell at OFK Beograd.He briefly played for Greek side Panserraikos, only to return to Borac followed by his second Partizan spell after which he retired.Partizan added: “Radisa Ilic will remain part of our history forever. “His dedication and legendary moments in the black-and-white shirt will never be forgotten.”Ilic left an indelible mark at our club and his name will forever be proudly mentioned among Partizan aficionados. More

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      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 28: Latest on Trent Alexander-Arnold and others

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      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 28 in one convenient location.Liverpool will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.Alexander-Arnold is Dream Team’s leading points scorer among defenderCredit: Dream TeamThe England right-back was injured during the Reds’ exit from the Champions League at the hands of PSG.Alexander-Arnold, who features in 28.2% of teams at the time of writing, is expected to be out for several weeks with Arne Slot only saying that the defender should be back before the end of the season.Conor Bradley or Joe Gomez would usually deputise at right-back but both remain sidelined, seemingly leaving the door open for Jarell Quansah to start against Newcastle, but Arne Slot has hinted that Curtis Jones is another option.Wesley Fofana returned for Chelsea against Leicester in Gameweek 27 and Romeo Lavia is said to have regained fitness too.Enzo Maresca told reporters than Robert Sanchez will start between the sticks against Arsenal this weekend.Saka is “making really good progress”Credit: GettyAs for the Gunners, Raheem Sterling is ineligible to play against his parent club while Mikel Arteta stressed the need to manage Gabriel Martinelli’s workload in his Friday press conference.On Bukayo Saka, the Spanish coach said: “He’s stepping up and making really good progress. Let’s see when we decide to throw him in… and how quickly he can get fit.”Kevin Danso suffered a hamstring injury against Bournemouth last weekend and will be monitored carefully during the international break.Most read in FootballTottenham’s first-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven reunited against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night.Rodrigo Bentancur was suspended in the Europa League but is available for the trip to Fulham on Sunday.Danso is sidelinedCredit: PAAndoni Iraola confirmed Bournemouth have no new injury concerns with centre-back lllia Zabarnyi set to return against Brentford having served his suspension in full.Similarly, Ipswich, Leicester, Wolves, West Ham and Nottingham Forest have all reported no fresh injuries.Mason Mount and Harry Maguire have a chance of making Manchester United’s matchday squad at the King Power.However, Leny Yoro is ruled out of the trip to Leicester with a foot injury while Patrick Dorgu continues his domestic suspension.Dream Team bosses should be aware that Aston Villa and Crystal Palace will BLANK in Gameweek 28 having originally been scheduled to face the Carabao Cup finalists.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 NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai HavertzSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Ross BarkleySuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Enes UnalSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago, Rico Henry, Sepp van den Berg (doubt), Fabio CarvalhoSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Igor Julio, Lewis Dunk, Joel Veltman, Matt O’RileySuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto (doubt)Suspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Chadi Riad, Jean-Philippe MatetaSuspensions: Will HughesEVERTONInjuries: Dwight McNeil, Armando Broja (doubt), Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman NdiayeSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harry WilsonSuspensions: Sasa LukicIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin (doubt), Wes Burns, Arijanet Muric, Sammie Szmodics, Axel TuanzebeSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Abdul FatawuSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, Trent Alexander-ArnoldSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan AkeSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount (doubt), Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Harry Maguire (doubt), Leny YoroSuspensions: Patrick DorguNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Lewis HallSuspensions: Anthony GordonNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Carlos MiguelSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart (doubt), Ryan Fraser (doubt), Juan Larios (doubt), James Bree, Jan BednarekSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Radu Dragusin, Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski, Kevin DansoSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Vladimir Coufal (doubt), Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio SummervilleSuspensions: NoneWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera, Leon ChiwoneSuspensions: Matheus Cunha More

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      Inside Dan Burn’s wild ride from losing finger aged 13 and working at Asda to driving Smart car and England call-up

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      THOMAS TUCHEL’S first England squad was full of surprises, but perhaps top of the list was his maiden call-up of 32-year-old Dan Burn.It completed an incredible journey for down-to-earth Burn, who worked for Asda as a teenager pushing trolleys around while his football career stalled.Dan Burn has completed a fairytale story having gone from struggling non-league player to England call-upCredit: GettyBurn defied the odds having lost the ring finger on his right hand in a freak accident aged 13Credit: GettyFuture Newcastle hero Dan was a huge Toon fan as a kidCredit: Newcastle United FCDan Burn got his big break at Fulham, moving from non-league Darlington to the Premier League side in 2011Credit: PA:Empics SportLater this month, the Newcastle star could have his first Three Lions cap in the bag having been selected for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.And in so doing, he would be our nation’s oldest debutant since a 33-year-old Kevin Davies made his bow against Montenegro in October 2010.Burn has been shining for his much-loved Toon ever since joining Eddie Howe’s revolution in a £13million move from Brighton in February 2022.Those who know him best will say his international recognition is richly-deserved, given the long and arduous path to get to this point. READ MORE SPORT STORIESBurn was born in the Northumberland town of Blyth and was Magpies mad, having a season ticket at St James’ Park and heading down to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea in 2000.He was actually on Toon’s books as a kid but then suffered the heartbreak of being released by his boyhood club near Christmas 2003, aged 11.It was a devastating blow. Yet Burn admitted it was probably the right call when speaking to SunSport back in 2019.In typically self-deprecating style, the gentle giant said: “I was pretty c**p, if I’m honest.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBurn was a very different player back then, quite literally.Because of his gangly frame, fuelled by his regular diet of fish and chips, he was a goalkeeper up until the age of 14.Dan Burn wears glove on hand missing a finger leaving Newcastle team-mates in stitchesDisaster struck around that time when he caught his finger, which had a ring on it, climbing a fence.It resulted in him losing most of his ring finger on his right hand. Burn appeared to be hitting a brick wall too at that time with regards his ambitions to be a pro footballer, and played locally while studying for a sports diploma and working at Asda.The defender said: “Normally the lads who are getting picked up to play in the youth teams are getting picked up around 15,16. I didn’t end up signing for anyone.“I went to sixth form and went and did a little bit of work. I was working at Asda pushing trolleys.“If you had said then that I would be in the Premier League, I would have laughed at you.“It was a little bit more of a different route for me but it helped me become even more determined and focused.”Burns, in the orange bib with long hair, celebrates the 2011 FA Trophy win with his Darlington palsCredit: AlamyDan Burn went from strength to strength as a stalwart with WiganCredit: Getty Images – GettyDan Burn attracted Newcastle’s attention with his superb form for BrightonCredit: AFPDarlington signed him at 17 which was the break he needed just when it looked like the beautiful game was not going to work out for him. Life at Darlo was hardly one of glamour, with Burn washing his own kit and bringing in packed lunches. Although he did win the 2011 FA Trophy at Wembley on 2011 with a 1-0 win over Mansfield.All that stopped when he moved to the Premier League with Fulham in 2011, but even then there were question marks as to whether he would progress beyond the reserves. That was largely due to misconceptions about his ability and his size – which is something he has had to overcome throughout his career. Many people saw his towering frame as a negative, deeming him to be too big, too slow and too clumsy, when in reality he has always been a competent and composed footballer.He had loan spells at Yeovil and Birmingham before moving to Wigan in 2016.Yet when the Latics were relegated to League One a year later, they were prepared to sell Burn for a paltry £500,000 – but there were no takers.Chris Hughton eventually took him to Brighton 12 months on, for six times more at £3m after he excelled in the third tier, shackling Sergio Aguero in Wigan’s famous FA Cup victory over Manchester City that season.Former Newcastle boss Hughton exclusively told SunSport: “Most lads, when they move to a club, rent but Dan bought a place and that showed his commitment to the job that he was doing and for his opportunities. “When I brought him to Brighton, it was a difficult time for him because I had Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy as my main two so he didn’t play as many games as he would have liked.Burn, the Premier League’s tallest player, was famously spotted driving a tiny Smart car in 2022“Am I surprised by his call-up? In some ways, but in some ways, no. His application was always brilliant.”Yet it was when Graham Potter took over at the Amex that Burn’s career at the top level took flight, making him the tallest left-back the Premier League has ever seen.He has featured there a lot for Newcastle too, even though centre-back has always been his favoured position.At the heart of defence is where he has featured most this season and where he seems to have won over Tuchel, so it will be fascinating to see where the German plays him.His call-up is the latest step in a wild ride for Burn, who was not sure professional football was going to work out as a kid, from the lower leagues, to the Champions League with Newcastle and now England.Hughton added: “I’m happy for him. What I think Thomas sees in Dan is somebody that is playing in a very, very good team at the top level, playing Champions League games and he’s consistent in his performances.“He could play in a back three and of course he’s played as left-back. And surprisingly for somebody who’s that size, he’s also quick.“The fact he’s left-sided as well, I think that helps him. There will be a lot of left-sided central defenders who are right-footed. The fact that he’s left-footed gives a natural balance.”Burn’s club Newcastle have the richest owners in the world.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd yet the defender drives a relatively modest car – and a tiny one given his huge size.On New Year’s Eve 2022, Burn was spotted climbing out of a tiny £11k Smart ForTwo, much to supporters’ amusement.How Howe turned Toon around WITHOUT Saudi billionsBY GARY STONEHOUSEEDDIE HOWE has got “the richest club in the world” fighting for honours regularly again despite not being able to blow the big Saudi bucks.The 47-year-old achieved legendary status at Bournemouth by guiding the then-skint Cherries all the way from League Two into the Premier League promised land.Now he is potentially on the verge of writing his name into Newcastle’s history books if he can end their 70-year wait for a major trophy.Howe came mightily close two years ago when he and the Magpies suffered heartbreak in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.Qualifying for the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish softened that blow, and now he is eyeing more than just another Wembley outing as he takes Toon to Arsenal for the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semis.Of course, it has been nothing like those early days at Bournemouth for Howe since he took charge in November 2021 just weeks after their Saudi takeover.There was a big outlay that January transfer window in order to assure the club’s Premier League status, but despite reaching the Champions League, PSR rules have delayed their path straight to football’s top table.Though, despite the purse strings being tightened and even being forced to sell young starlets against his wishes, Howe still has Newcastle punching with the big boys for silverware.The question is though – how has he done it and how far can he go? More

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      Former France star who played with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry now a BUTCHER after retiring

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      FORMER Champions League star Laurent Leroy has swapped scoring for sausages… by working in a BUTCHER’S SHOP.The Paris Saint-Germain ace struck against Bayern Munich, Rosenborg and Deportivo La Coruna in Europe’s elite competition.Laurent Leroy has swapped football for working in a butcher’s shopCredit: GettyCapped for France’s Under-21s, he also played for Cannes and Bordeaux as well as winning a Swiss title with Servette.Leroy spent five seasons with PSG, scoring 12 goals in 67 games, and faced Rangers in the 2001-02 UEFA Cup.He struggled to find ways to bring home the bacon after retiring from football in 2012.But the 48-year-old has since carved out a new career, helping his pal run a butchery chain in France.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeroy revealed: “I now work with a mate of mine.  He asked me to help him out.”He is the owner of three butcher’s shops.”I now work in a butcher’s, and the world of football is finished for me.”Leroy also made mincemeat of Thierry Henry, his former France Under-21 teammate – branding the Arsenal legend “selfish.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe former PSG player was better known for creating goals than scoring them.Leroy insisted: “I could have made the France senior side. I got into the Under-21s alongside Henry and David Trezeguet.Fans ask ‘how’s Henry spotted that?’ as they are left stunned by Arsenal icon’s analysis of Man Utd star’s goal vs Man City “But they were selfish players – true goalscorers. I could have been like that as well, but it was never my temperament.”I regret nothing. But I was not selfish – I have never been that way.”I helped my PSG team-mate, Christian, to shine and to get into the Brazil national side. He talks about me whenever he does an interview.”I added value to him. But I didn’t give a damn about being a star myself.” More

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      Major Arsenal stadium update as Gunners hold talks over Emirates expansion with architectural design firm

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      ARSENAL are exploring ways to expand the Emirates’ capacity after being approached by an architect, reports claim.It comes as Premier League rivals are moving quickly to expand their grounds or building new ones to supercharge financial revenue.Arsenal have taken a big step forward in their plans to expand the Emirates StadiumCredit: RexArsenal’s Emirates Stadium holds just over 60,000 fansMan Utd have confirmed plans for a new 100,000-seater stadiumManchester United unveiled glittering plans for a new £2billion 100,000-capacity super stadium earlier this week. The project, which will be the biggest stadium in the UK, has already been given the green light as part of a major regeneration of the area.And Newcastle followed suit with £3billion plans to move away from St James’ Park to a stunning 65,000-capacity arena.Arsenal are now mulling over their options as they attempt to keep up, according to The Mail.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTalks are reportedly at an early stage, with a number of potential options being considered. The cost and the length of the project are the main factors being discussed by Arsenal chiefs, while the impact on the surrounding area is also a major factor.Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke has already discussed the prospect of an expansion.He said: “The internal conversations are starting to occur about the stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It is not an easy renovation, but we see the possibilities of what’s there.”At 60,704 seats, Arsenal currently have the fifth-biggest stadium in the league – they were second behind Old Trafford when the Emirates opened.Mikel Arteta walks out of Sky Sports interview moments after Arsenal lose further ground in Premier League title raceTottenham (62,850), West Ham (62,500) and Liverpool (61,276) have all since shot past them.The cost and project time length are major factors for Arsenal when it comes to the available options.The North London club were reportedly approached about hosting Euro 2028 games, but declined. The Emirates has instead chosen to free up the summer 2028 calendar for events and concerts.This potentially presents an opportunity to get any stadium expansion completed by then.Meanwhile an architect has already given an insight into what a potential expansion project could look like.The cost of the Old Trafford project is said to be estimated at £2bnNewcastle are reportedly set to leave St James’ Park for a new homeHere’s how SunSport imagined it could lookNick Tyrer told The i Paper: “It’s efficient, everything fits together like a nice puzzle.“It’s impressive what they were able to do on that tight site, but the problem with a puzzle that fits nicely together is as soon as you want to make big changes to it, it’s difficult.”One of the big challenges is there’s an elegant roof that is supported in I think eight places.The whole roof sits on those eight points and if you want to do any kind of expansion you need to remove the structure that’s blocking you.”Tottenham’s state-of-the-art stadium took three years to build and was completed in April 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Man City’s north stand, which started construction in July 2023, is expected to be done by the end of 2026.The Mail claim that money will be needed for work on at least Holloway Road underground station to increase its capacity. More

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      Women’s Football Awards 2025 shortlist revealed with new Match of the Day host Gabby Logan fronting star-studded evening

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      THE Women’s Football Awards have been announced – with stars of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man City up for the top prizes.The star-studded event, now in its third year, will take place in London on May 1.Gabby Logan will host the Women’s Football AwardsCredit: PAArsenal and England Alessia Russo features in the nominationsCredit: GettyIt will be hosted by new Match of the Day host Gabby Logan, Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, and former Lioness Eni Aluko.Chelsea’s Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones, Arsenal’s Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson, and Man City’s Bunny Shaw are some of the WSL stars to make the shortlist.International stars including Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo, Bayern Munich’s Georgia Stanway and Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas are also nominated.Chelsea, Man Utd, and Arsenal are in the running for Best Club of the Year.Read more sports newsIn other awards, Broadcaster or Journalist of the Year features leading figures such as Alex Scott, Karen Carney, and Sky Sports’ Hayley McQueen.The Off the Pitch Award, which recognises those who have shown a continued dedication to growing the women’s game features nominees including The FA’s Debbie Hewitt, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Paul Barber, and Manchester City Women’s Managing Director Charlotte O’Neill.Gunners legend Ian Wright, recognised for his efforts to elevate women’s football, is also shortlisted for an award.Logan said of the awards: “The Women’s Football Awards continues to grow year after year, shining a deserved spotlight on the star athletes, dedicated teams, and organisations driving the extraordinary rise of women’s football.Most read in Football”The impact of women’s football has never been greater, and I’m excited to celebrate all of the inspirational nominees.”Jamie Carragher added: “This year’s shortlist is filled with incredible people and organisations who are pushing the boundaries of women’s football.”The 2025 Women’s Football Awards will be a night to celebrate the trailblazers and game-changers who continue to inspire future generations of players, fans, and supporters.”Former Lioness, Eni Aluko concluded: “I am incredibly proud to witness the growth of this event. Gabby Logan forced to apologise after Prime Video pundit deliberately swears following Man City’s collapse vs Feyenoord”The Women’s Football Awards is the biggest and best celebration of women’s football in Europe.”It brings together the leading personalities who support the women’s game. I can’t wait to celebrate with all of the deserving nominees and winners on 1st May.” More

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      Arsenal files: What really happened in Arteta’s Old Trafford interview as Gunners target £12.5m La Liga star transfer

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      FOLLOWING Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend, Mikel Arteta faced up to the world’s media, from the written press to international broadcasters.But it was his interview with Sky Sports in the Old Trafford tunnel that grabbed the attention of fans and pundits, appearing to show Arteta “storm out” of his one-on-one chat with reporter Patrick Davison.Mikel Arteta drew headlines after seemingly walking away from an interview with Sky SportsBut the real reason behind the mix-up has now been explainedCriticism followed. Some called it “petulant”, others claimed it showed that Arteta was cracking under the pressure of a Premier League title race.But what really happened, and why?To throw in some context, like most Prem managers, Arteta had a whole host of post-match media to get through before he could travel back to London with his squad.On this occasion, there were nine interviews to complete, including six international TV broadcasters, UK radio, Arsenal TV and a press conference.Arteta’s interview with Sky’s Davison was going as expected – questions about the match as well as Arsenal’s ongoing injury issues.The length of these full-time Sky interviews can vary. For example, United boss Ruben Amorim spoke for four-and-a-half minutes.But usually, they last between two minutes and two-and-a-half minutes before managers must move on to other post-match responsibilities.In this instance, after two minutes and 40 seconds, Arteta was asked whether he regretted not buying a striker in January, to which he replied: “No, it’s not about that” before moving to his right to leave the interview.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport understands that Arteta believed the interview had come to a natural conclusion, only for Davison to stop him and say: “Mikel, one more. “I have to ask you about the title race because it is 15 points now. Is it too much?”Arteta insists Arsenal are capable of reaching Champions League semi finals after PSV draw Arteta interrupted to say: “No, thank you” before walking off. As the screen flicked back to the Sky studio, pundit Gary Neville looked slightly alarmed at what had happened.Neville said: “Usually if you see a manager walk off from an interview when he’s been asked a question, you normally think there is something getting to them.“Is he sick of being asked that question? Does he think that’s too simple an answer that he doesn’t have a striker?”However, SunSport understands that Arteta had no issue with the line of questioning, nor did he have a problem with Davison’s approach, just keen to get on to his next media obligation.It is normal for reporters to try and squeeze as many questions in during the allotted time as possible, as Davison rightly attempted to do.You may argue that Arteta could have stood still for a couple more seconds to answer the final question, instead of his awkward-looking rushed getaway.But there was no malice in his hurried departure, nor was he attempting to avoid that particular question.Arsenal cruised into the Champions League quarters with an aggregate 9-3 win over PSVThe Gunners fielded SIX left-backs as they drew 2-2 on the nightIn fact, Arteta had already answered it in much more detail in several other post-match chats, including in the press conference, where he said: “I don’t want to say [the title race is over].“The frustration is that we haven’t won our game. We know the urgency and it’s about winning every single match if you want to have any chance of doing that.“I don’t think it’s the right moment to talk about that.”The Spaniard has not taken the reaction to the incident to heart either.Moments after Tuesday’s press conference previewing Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 clash with PSV, Arteta remarked to another Sky reporter with a smile that he thought he was going to be asked about it in order to clarify what happened.So, it may have looked tense, but it was far from it. Just clumsy.REAL (MADRID) CHANCEThe Bernabeu will soon play host to Arsenal in the quarter finals of the Champions League – a tie that brings back memories of Thierry Henry’s match-winning goal to down David Beckham and his fellow Galacticos in 2005/06.That season, Arsenal reached the final in Paris, eventually losing to Barcelona 2-1.Nineteen years on and it feels like it could be one step too far for this team – with no recognised striker – to knock out Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr on route to another final.But SunSport understands that there are those in the know in the Madrid press pack that feel the Gunners now have more of a chance to reach the semis after avoiding a two-legged tie against Atletico Madrid.Diego Simeone’s Atletico would have put up an ugly fight, like they always do, and shut up shop with a low block for 180 minutes or more – something Arsenal have struggled to break down this term.In comparison, Real will surely attack from the off. That may just make this a 50/50 tie if Arsenal can find their shooting boots and be brave with the ball when space opens up.Arsenal face 15-time European champions in the quarter-finalsCredit: APESPANYOL DECISIONSSunSport understands that Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El Hilali, who is believed to have a release clause of around £12.5m.El Hilali can also play as a winger, something Arteta likes in his new recruits. The Moroccan is just 21 years old with a contract until June 2027, and is also being looked at by Barcelona.He leads LaLiga in terms of successful tackles resulting in ball recoveries (63) this term.But Arsenal are also keen on Espanyol’s keeper Joan Garcia, 23, for the summer, needing a No.2 to come in to compete with David Raya when Neto returns to parent club Bournemouth. Garcia could cost upwards of £25m.In the scenario that Espanyol do not want to sell both their stars in the same window, Arsenal and Arteta may have a tricky decision on their hands.Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El HilaliCredit: GettyDRESSING DOWNNormally on a Champions League night at the Emirates, the Arsenal players cannot wait to shower, change and get home – speedily walking through the mixed zone where journalists often stand towards the car park.But on Tuesday night, after a 2-2 draw with PSV, they were nowhere to be seen.Instead, they were huddled around a TV in the dressing room watching the penalty shoot-out between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to find out their quarter final opponents.It is believed that among them were Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz – both watching the game from the stands as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori eventually came out to conduct interviews sometime after, the former revealing the reaction to the result amongst the squad.The Ukrainian said: “How can you cheer? It was a mixed feeling. No one said anything. It was just mixed emotions.”Real Madrid edged the most controversial shootout in recent European memoryCredit: ReutersFormer Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger just about sealed a 4-2 win over Atletico MadridCredit: Getty More