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    Massive fire rips through Fiorentina’s training ground in 2am blaze with three children and an adult rushed to hospital

    FIREFIGHTERS battled against a terrifying blaze at the training base of Fiorentina last night as four people were rushed to hospital.According to reports in Italy, the flames broke out from inside the pavilion that houses the rooms of young Fiorentina footballers at Viola Park.A huge fire broke out at the training ground of Fiorentina at 2am last nightCredit: Instagram @firenzeprimaedopoFour people were taken to hospital as firefighters spent four hours tackling the blazeCredit: Instagram @firenzeprimaedopoThe inferno could be seen raging into the night as 20 units of firefighters battled itCredit: Instagram @fiorentinaunoThis included ladder trucks, tankers and an air wagonCredit: Instagram @florence_tvThe local mayor described it as a ‘night of fear’Credit: Instagram @fiorentinaunoThe entire area was evacuated as the inferno raged throughout the night.Four people – three boys and an adult accompanying them – were taken to hospital for checks due to exposure to the fumes. The blaze is said to have started at around 2:15am, with Florence fire command and the Pontassieve detachment deploying 20 units on site, including ladder trucks, tankers and an air wagon.Extinguishing operations are reported to have continued until 6:15am.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInvestigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.Reports indicate the fire started in the C South pavilion of the training centre before quickly spreading to the hallway, damaging some doors and the ceiling.The building has been rendered unusable after the scary incident.A Fiorentina statement on the incident said: “During the night a fire, the causes of which are still unclear, broke out inside a room in the pavilion dedicated to the youth sector of the ‘Rocco B. Commisso’ Viola Park. Most read in Football”The alarm system, emergency procedures and the preparation of the staff present ensured the rapid evacuation of the structure. “Some people were taken to hospital for checks and accompanied by our health workers, and have already been discharged in good condition. Man Utd legend David De Gea shows off his skills in manic training session “The area of ​​the pavilion affected by the fire has, at the moment, been isolated and made safe.”The mayor of Bagno a Ripoli, Francesco Pignotti, said that the fire had caused a “night of fear” but was thankful no one was seriously hurt while giving special praise to the response of the Fire Brigade.He said: “The images of the flames at Viola Park are terrible. A night of fear that fortunately did not cause serious damage to people. “The three boys and the adult taken to the hospital are under observation but are fine. “We are in contact with Fiorentina and our entire community is close to them. “Thanks to the firefighters and the staff who intervened promptly, avoiding the worst.”Fiorentina’s Viola Park training centre was opened in October 2023 and is the largest in Italy and one of the largest in Europe.The site includes two stadiums which sit a total of 4,500 spectators.They are named the Curva Fiesole, with seats 3,000, and the Davide Astori – named in tribute to the club’s late captain who died from a cardiac arrest in 2018 – which seats 1,500.Prior to its completion, Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso said it would cost around £67million.The facilities there include 12 football pitches, with five being grass, five hybrid, two mini-fields for children, and one for goalkeepers.It also features four exercise facilities with more than 130 training stations and an 80m squared rehabilitation centre.Read More on The SunThese are supplemented by dormitories with 75 rooms and 116 beds across 12 buildings in total, alongside a media centre, medical and wellness centre, a 25m swimming pool, two vascular pools, a cryotherapy facility, sauna and Turkish bath.Fiorentina finished sixth place in the Serie A this season. More

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    I was in the heart of PSG’s celebrations in Paris – it was a war zone with yobs throwing bottles and launching fireworks

    OUTSIDE the Parc des Princes last night, it was carnage. Absolute carnage.No sooner had the final whistle blown in Munich – as Paris Saint-Germain sealed a record-breaking 5-0 Champions League Final win over Inter Milan – the French capital erupted in celebration.Thousands of PSG supporters hit the streets after their team’s Champions League triumphCredit: GettyThe Paris sky was lit up by fireworks as thousands came out to celebrateCredit: GettyFlares were lit by PSG ultras before things began to spiral out of controlCredit: GettySupporters partied well into the night after the 5-0 victoryCredit: GettyThose who live within a few-mile radius of the club’s home ground had prepared for the worst, sensibly boarding up their shops and cafes in anticipation of mass trouble, and it proved to be a wise decision.Tens of thousands of people, mostly young men wearing PSG shirts, sprinted away from the club’s football ground and once they were outside of the wide police security perimeter, chaos ensued.Motorists had to take evasive action coming off the motorway slip-roads as people dangerously spilled into the street, throwing flares into their path.Soon, the traffic was completely stopped around Porte d’Auteuil as supporters started celebrating in the street – and even jumped on stationary cars.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCoaches were blocked from moving forward and it was a surprise nobody was run over in the bedlam and disorder.One large truck did try to drive its way through the mayhem but dozens of blokes simply hitched a ride on the back.The air around the ground filled with the sound of air horns and revving motorbikes.Red and white flares were lit by bare-chested fans who either had scarves around their faces or dodgy cigarettes in their mouths.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSmoke bombs were let off and some PSG Ultras brought along firework GUNS, shooting the pyrotechnics high into the Parisian sky at a frequent rate.Though generally it was a mood of celebration and jubilation – it was the club’s first Champions League success after all – there were some inevitable casualties.HISTORIC scenes as PSG demolish Inter Milan in record-breaking Champions League final I saw one woman hurt and needing attention from friends while others cowered for cover as fans rushed forward.Ambulances were called to the area and so, too, were fire trucks.And your SunSport correspondent had to sprint away for safety at one point when some of the remnants of the fireworks landed too close for his comfort.The streets around the Parc des Princes, not far from where the Roland Garros tennis takes place, are in a well-heeled area, an influential region similar to Kensington and Chelsea in West London.Yet anyone living in nearby expensive flats, who had been hoping to get to sleep early, would have soon realised their misgivings as the partying went on for hours, and long after 1am.Those who were walking back to the Metro station after watching Novak Djokovic’s win on Court Philippe-Chatrier must have thought they were walking in a war zone.Champions League final REACTION – PSG 5-0 InterMost of the yobs would not have lived in the local area themselves but they saw this European success as an excuse to break the law and cause disruption.Some reckless parents even brought along their small children when really they should have all been at home.What was surprising was the lack of a police presence to control the lawless situation.There were reports of problems on the Champs-Élysées but in the well-to-do 16th arrondissement there was no police management or control.Almost as if they thought, well we have our perimeter, that is all we are doing, but away from that, you are on your own, lads…Local businesses are used to large numbers of people whenever PSG play at home but this was different – this was on a scale that locals had never seen before.Fireworks were fired towards police as clashes broke out on the streetsCredit: GettyTear gas was also fired as fans took over the streets in the French capitalCredit: GettyIn any other situation, these scenes of unlawfulness would not be acceptable but because it is football, the authorities tend to shrug it off as what fans do to celebrate.As someone who has reported on football matches for more than 23 years – and was a season-ticket holder at West Ham back in the 1990s – I’m not easily intimidated by these situations or by rowdy football crowds.Yet you had to keep your wits about you as fireworks constantly went off and fans gathered in large numbers, smoking weed and sitting on bus stops.I had sympathy for those families trapped in their cars as they were surrounded by groups of young men.It could have all easily and quickly turned very nasty – imagine what it would have been like had Inter had won the final?Read More on The SunOne or two individuals did throw bottles at the odd police van trying to drive through the streets. Shards of glass were scattered all over the pavements.And inevitably, some poor souls will be the ones clearing up all the mess this morning left by the hooligans. More

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    ‘So incredibly welcoming’ – Laura Woods pays personal tribute to Rio Ferdinand as Man Utd legend, 46, leaves TNT Sports

    LAURA WOODS has issued a heartfelt farewell to Rio Ferdinand on his final TNT Sports appearance. The Manchester United legend is stepping away from the broadcaster after 10 years as a pundit. Laura Woods (left) has paid tribute to Rio Ferdinand (centre) on his final TNT broadcastCredit: PAThe former Man Utd star has spent a decade as a pundit for the networkCredit: PAFerdinand was on the TNT panel for Saturday’s Champions League final in Munich. He was joined by host Woods, Steven Gerrard and Owen Hargreaves for his last broadcast. Following PSG’s emphatic 5-0 win, Rio said: “I just want to say thank you to everybody that I’ve worked with.”My job was made a lot easier by the great people and friends that I have worked with and will remain friends for many years.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe ex-England centre-back joined TNT back in 2015 as a pundit.He was drafted onto co-commentary duty shortly after and claimed his decision to leave was “difficult”.Woods had one “final goodbye” for Ferdinand as Saturday’s broadcast from Munich wound down. The presenter said: “Rio, before we leave, just one final goodbye. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”From us here at TNT Sport, to you. That is it for your career here, for now.”Can I just say on behalf of all of us – including everyone behind the camera – you’ve been an absolute pleasure.PSG crowned Champions League winners after smashing Inter Milan 5-0″And personally since I joined, you’ve been so incredibly welcoming.”You’ll be sorely, sorely missed.”Despite being incredibly busy with TNT for the last decade, Ferdinand has managed to launch a hugely successful podcast.His ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ pod, which was previously called ‘Vibe with Five’, has over 1.3 MILLION subscribers on YouTube.He has also been linked with a potential move to the BBC in the wake of Gary Lineker’s departure on Match of the Day. Ferdinand’s final game as a pundit proved to be a cracker, with PSG stunning Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich.Champions League final REACTION – PSG 5-0 InterLuis Enrique’s side ended the Parisian’s Champions League drought in style, overpowering the Italians thanks to standout performance from Desire Doue.Read More on The SunAn emotional Enrique said: “Since day one, I said I wanted to win important trophies, and Paris had never won the Champions League.”We did it for the first time. It’s a great feeling to make many people happy.” More

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    Kylian Mbappe reacts to PSG Champions League triumph with 16-word post as Luis Enrique fires unsubtle dig

    FORMER PSG star Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence after the Parisian giants made history in Munich.Luis Enrique’s side thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 on Saturday night to secure a first-ever Champions League crown.Kylian Mbappe has congratulated his former club PSG on their maiden Champions League triumphCredit: EPAThe Frenchman suffered heartbreak in the 2020 final for PSG against Bayern MunichCredit: EPAPSG boss Luis Enrique appeared to fire a dig to his former striker after beating InterCredit: GettyMbappe spent six years with PSG as the club tried in vain to end its European hoodoo. The 26-year-old was a beaten finalist in 2020 when Bayern Munich broke French hearts.Mbappe left for Real Madrid last summer after his contract expired in Paris.And he sent a gracious message to his former employers as they beat him to a maiden Champions League title.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTaking to Instagram, Mbappe told his 124 million followers: “The big day has finally arrived.”Victory – and in style – for an entire club. Congratulations @psg.”Mbappe’s exit from Paris was soured by a spat over unpaid wages.The forward made a claim of £46.5million against his former club, believing he was owed a signing bonus, his final three months’ salary and an “ethical” payment. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKEnrique was asked about Mbappe following his team’s history-making win on Saturday. The Spaniard replied: “We would have loved to have him, but his decision was different.”PSG crowned Champions League winners after smashing Inter Milan 5-0He then added: “We’ve shown that we have stars at the service of the team, and not the other way around.”The win was Enrique’s second Champions League triumph after leading Barcelona to glory 10 years ago.He used the moment to pay tribute to youngest daughter Xana, who tragically died in 2019 at the age of nine from bone cancer.Champions League final REACTION – PSG 5-0 InterFollowing his blockbuster move last summer, Mbappe has hit the ground running at the Bernabeu.He scored 42 goals in 55 games across all competitions this term. But Los Blancos went trophyless, missing out on LaLiga to rivals Barcelona and crashing out of the CL at the quarter final stage to Arsenal. More

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    Luis Enrique in emotional tribute to daughter Xana, who died from cancer aged nine, after winning Champions League

    LUIS ENRIQUE paid an emotional tribute to his late daughter Xana after winning the Champions League.Enrique led Paris Saint-Germain to the holy grail of European football for the first time ever with a record-breaking 5-0 win over Inter Milan.Luis Enrique paid tribute to late daughter Xana after winning the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyXana tragically died aged nine from bone cancer in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorShe famously waved a Barcelona flag after Enrique’s first Champions League win 10 years agoCredit: AFPDesire Doue led the way with two goals and an assist.Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Senny Mayulu were also on target as PSG inflicted the biggest-ever European Cup final defeat on helpless Inter.At the final whistle, Enrique celebrated by hugging wife Elena, son Pacho, 26, and daughter Sira, 25.The result marked the Spanish boss’ second Champions League win after leading Barcelona to glory 10 years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Enrique also used the moment to pay tribute to youngest daughter Xana, who tragically died in 2019 at the age of nine from bone cancer.Following 2015’s UCL win, Xana famously waved a Barcelona flag as proud dad Enrique watched on.A decade later, the gaffer remembered his daughter as he switched into a black T-shirt bearing her name.The top also showed a picture of two cartoon characters, one little and one large, each clutching a flag bearing PSG’s club crest.Most read in Champions LeagueMeanwhile in the stands, French fans also paid tribute with a tifo showing Enrique planting a PSG flag into the ground with Xana watching on while wearing their club shirt.Fans were left with tears in their eyes as they reacted to the tributes.Champions League travel chaos erupts as fans block train and throw rocks and tear gas is deployed on boardEnrique paid tribute to Xana with a t-shirt depicting her with a PSG flagCredit: TNT SportsFans in the stands also showed their respect with an amazing tifoCredit: TNT SportsThe tifo remembered this special moment between father and daughterCredit: GettyEnrique celebrated the win with his wife and two other childrenCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe group hugged each other in delightful scenes at full timeCredit: Shutterstock EditorialOne said: “My heart is so full of joy for this man and his little angel.”Another declared: “He’s made sure Xana is with him in victory again.”One noted: “Xana is with you today.”Another added: “I’m glad he won for her.”Speaking before the final, Enrique revealed that Xana would be with him on the sideline in spirit.Enrique said: “I remember an incredible photo I have with my daughter, after winning the Champions League, placing a Barca flag on the pitch.Read More on The Sun“I wish I could do the same with PSG. She won’t be there physically, but she’ll be there spiritually and that’s very important to me.”After the final whistle, Enrique added: “Xana is not physically here, but she is always connected to me and she is enjoying this time with us.”Cancer types, signs and symptomsEverything you need to know about different types of Cancer More

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    Ruben Amorim plans brutal pre-season with Man Utd flops quizzed on holidays and told to hit personal bests or face axe

    RUBEN AMORIM is ready to get tough with his Manchester United flops as he chases a flying start next season.The Red Devils boss wants to take a hardline pre-season approach in his quest to turn his “chokers” into Champions League material, with jobs — including his own — on the line.Ruben Amorim is preparing for a complete reset at Manchester UnitedThe 40-year-old has warned his players to not slack off this summerAnd the Portuguese is determined that a lack of fitness will not be an excuse for his squad, in the wake of  a disastrous campaign last time out — the club’s worst since the relegation season of 1973-74.SunSport understands Amorim has delivered a list of instructions to ensure United are in top shape for the new Prem season, which starts on the weekend of August 16.It is believed non-international players could return to the club’s Carrington HQ earlier than normal, with a suggestion some may be back training by the end of THIS month.Amorim wants fitness levels to be sky high, demanding that players  hit personal bests by mid-July.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd if they fail to achieve those targets then they face being sidelined from his  United revolution.Boss Amorim has also told his squad they need to be fitter than ever because he wants them to be all over their opponents “like white on rice” from day one next season.It is understood Amorim has even quizzed his players on where they are going on holiday as he looks to shake up his failing squad and leave nothing to chance.United finished 15th in the Prem and also lost in the Europa League final to Tottenham — meaning there will be no European football at Old Trafford next season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAmorim — who initially did not want to join United from Sporting last November as he feared mid- season turbulence — needs an upturn in results and performance quickly, so he is focusing on an intense pre-season programme to get his men up to speed from the kick-off.He is also keen to capitalise on rivals Manchester City and Chelsea having a disrupted start to the new Prem season should they go deep into the revamped  Club World Cup this summer, with the final on July 13.Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apologyA club source said: “Amorim needs a good pre-season. He’s not shied away from the pressure he’s under.“He would have always preferred to have arrived at United ahead of  a new season rather than in the middle of it.“He has to get this right. He’s told the players there are no more excuses. His job is on the line — and so too is theirs.“The club can’t accept any more failures.”Amorim is well aware of the pressure building and the scrutiny on his own position, never mind his players.His side suffered an embarrassing 1-0 loss to the ASEAN All-Stars before a 3-1 win over Hong Kong on their two-game post-season tour to Asia. Amorim slammed his players after the first game as “chokers” after they were booed off by Far East fans.United face a big summer of transfer activityFollowing the second game on Friday, Amorim was asked if he had  a summer message for  his players —  and hinted he feared for the condition of his stars during their time away from the club.He replied: “I was a player and you can disconnect. They know that we under-performed badly this season. “The important thing for me is the body composition, the weight and the training — they need to be ready.“We have to use every minute in every week of the pre-season. So we need to arrive in shape.“These small things, they have all the measures. We had a briefing about that. It’s the only way to take action to be better next season.“They know, everyone knows that the next year is going to be massive for everybody.“I have been sending messages every week and they know next year, it is clear that we need to be so much better.”United face a big summer of transfer activity. Bruno Fernandes could leave for Saudi Arabia this summerChristian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans have all left on free transfers, while the future of captain Bruno Fernandes hangs in the balance.Amorim is closing in on a £62.5million deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, while he has lined up Sporting’s Pedro Goncalves as a potential replacement for Fernandes if he takes the £100m offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho is not in Amorim’s plans next season and is free to leave.Read More on The SunUnited begin their preparations with a friendly against Prem new boys Leeds in Stockholm on July 19.Then the Red Devils are heading over to the USA for matches against  West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton, before finishing a punishing pre-season schedule against Italian side Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9. More

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    Joao Pedro slapped with £70m price tag as Arsenal consider entering transfer race for Brighton star

    BRIGHTON have slapped a whopping £70million price tag on striker Joao Pedro.Interest in the Brazilian, 23, has heightened as it appears the Seagulls are willing to do business.Joao Pedro is attracting plenty of transfer interestCredit: ReutersBut they will only be listening to offers around that figure, a huge mark-up on a player who joined in a £35m deal from Watford in July 2023.Newcastle, Liverpool Arsenal and Aston Villa are thought to be keen.Pedro hit ten goals in 27 Prem games last term.But he was left out of the last two games of the season by boss Fabian Hurzeler after a training-ground bust-up with team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAhead of Brighton’s final day victory at Tottenham, boss Hurzeler offered an update on Pedro’s situation.The 32-year-old said: “With Joao, we had a small issue in training, a type which isn’t uncommon from time to time at all football clubs.“We dealt with it internally and the matter is closed.“Joao is an incredible football player, he is a match-winner for us and he is a great player and that’s why we invested in him.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“But there are principles, there are values that are non-negotiable that count for everyone. I don’t make any compromises.“I am sure that Joao is still a young player, there is still a lot of potential where he will grow.What does Brighton player Joao Pedro’s controversial ‘throat-cutting’ goal celebration mean?“I am sure that he will learn from this and come back stronger next season.“I am really looking forward to seeing him renewed and reinvigorated at his highest peak into our team. That is all I would say to this.”The only thing is how we dealt with it as a football club, how we dealt with it as a team.”Meanwhile, the Albion boss is set to offer a new one-year deal to veteran midfielder James Milner.The 39-year-old revealed this week that he had feared he would not walk again after surgery.He is 16 league games from breaking Gareth Barry’s  Prem appearance record of 653 matches.James Milner has been offered a contract extensionCredit: Getty More

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    Thousands of PSG fans invade pitch and tear down goals after stunning Champions League final win over Inter Milan

    THOUSANDS of Paris Saint-Germain fans invaded the Munich pitch to celebrate historic Champions League glory.Supporters defied hordes of security staff as they ripped up goal-netting and chunks of the turf after PSG destroyed Inter Milan 5-0.Security staff could do little to stop fans getting onCredit: GettyPSG fans were delirious after a brilliant thumping of InterCredit: APSome supporters cut down goal-nettingCredit: GettyFans lauded PSG midfielder Vitinha after his heroic displayCredit: AFPThis PSG fan appeared to come prepared as he took a turf souvenirCredit: ReutersRival fans had clashed before the match, with fighting at a rail station in the town causing traffic mayhem.And over in Paris, riot police used tear gas on supporters when violence erupted in the French capital after their team’s mesmerising triumph.Meanwhile, jubilant fans at the game itself flocked onto the pitch.The penalty box in front of the PSG end was jam-packed with supporters.READ MORE PSG NEWSStewards and police formed lines in an attempt to hold up the fans.But it didn’t stop crazy antics as fans were seen rocking one goal as well as cutting huge chunks from Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena surface.Midfield hero Vitinha stood on a barrier as supporters shook his hands.But there was another side to the post-match joy – one with deeper and more important emotions.Most read in FootballPSG boss Luis Enrique and his family grip the trophy togetherCredit: EPABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKManager Luis Enrique appeared deeply touched as fans unveiled a tifo in tribute to his daughter Xana, who died aged nine in 2019. The Spaniard has said: “Her body is gone, but she hasn’t died. She’s still with us.”PSG fans ‘tear gassed’ by cops as violence erupts in Paris after CL final winThe contrasting scenes came as PSG won Europe’s top club competition for the first time – and in a style many reckon has rarely been bettered.Achraf Hakimi sidefooted a simple 12th-mintue opener against his old club before stand-out playmaker Desire Doue struck twice.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and sub Senny Mayulu then gave the scoreline a one-sided look that was far from flattering, such was PSG’s brilliance.Desire Doue was the star of the show with two goalsCredit: GettySupporters descended on the goal after the final whistleCredit: ReutersStewards tried to hold back fans amid frenzied scenesCredit: Reuters More