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    ‘Now everyone’s calling me it…’ – Declan Rice reveals hilarious new nickname he has among Arsenal team-mates

    DECLAN RICE is known as the Horse to his Arsenal team-mates — and he is still hoping to gallop to a famous title success.The £105million star revealed his new nickname as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare for the home straight in this Premier League campaign.Arsenal star Declan Rice revealed his new nicknameRice’s Arsenal team-mates call him the Horse after a series of impressive performancesCredit: GettyArsenal, sweating on the fitness of forward Kai Havertz following a hamstring scare during their Dubai winter training trip, visit Leicester on Saturday.Rice and Co are six points off leaders Liverpool and will be keeping an eye on the Merseyside derby at Everton tonight — the Reds’ game in hand.Arne Slot’s Kop side also face tough matches at Aston Villa and Manchester City this month and Rice feels his fitness and form are ramping up at just the right time.On his new nickname, he said: “It’s positive. Oleksandr Zinchenko started it then Jorginho went with it — now everyone’s calling me it.Read More on Arsenal“I think it’s because they think I can run all day, that I’m athletic, my ability to go again, my sustainability and availability to the team.“Even two days since the last game, I’m running around and they’re thinking I’m a mad man. I don’t mind the nickname but I just have to keep it going.”Only Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has played more minutes than Rice, 26, since August 2022.A toe injury in November kept him out of the only Arsenal game he missed in that two-year period.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has not had the greatest of campaigns but the midfielder feels good about ending the season on a high.Rice, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “It probably was a slower start for me, coming off the back of the Euros. Because I’ve been so consistent over the last few years. But I’m hitting form and full fitness at the right time. Jamie Carragher points out Declan Rice’s moment of genius after Myles Lewis-Skelly copied Erling Haaland’s celebration“I knew I had to up my game, up my level. Over the last few months, I’ve been watching lots of clips, sitting down with analysts and seeing where I can improve. There’s been a gradual, good increase so I need to keep going.”Rice also revealed that only since he left West Ham and joined Arsenal in 2023 has he been more focused on his nutrition.He said: “I never really took to that side of the game until the nutritionist at Arsenal sat me down, went through it properly and showed me how your body works.“And what you have to be eating and drinking constantly to be at the top of your game.Chasing Liverpool“That’s a really important part and with the number of games we’re playing, it’s probably the most important part. Once we’ve played, it’s how we go again in a few days’ time.“It’s really tough. Every player has a different routine and lives differently. The staff at the club keep us going. You’re away from home a lot — there’s hotels, travel and a lot of away games.“There’s a lot in the mind but when you’re competing for stuff at the top end of the game, it’s about how much you want it.“That’s why I keep myself going and I know it’s the same for my team-mates as this year we want to achieve some really good things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for catching Slot’s side, Rice said: “There’s a long way to go. We can only keep believing, working and having full trust we can achieve great things.“It’s down to us to get that over the line. Big things are coming. We must stay positive and keep going.” More

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    Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr reveals how Man City fans’ trolling tifo massively backfired

    VINICIUS JR has revealed how Manchester City fans’ trolling tifo massively backfired last night.The Real Madrid star joined teammates at the Etihad for the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Pep Guardiola’s men.Vinicius Jr claims a trolling tifo from Man City fans backfired massively last nightCredit: RexThe banner mocked Vinicius Jr by showing Rodri with the Ballon d’Or trophyCredit: RexThe meeting marked the fourth successive year the two giants had met in Europe.And it was Real who came out on top after Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic late winner to down City 3-2.But before kick-off, there was a major talking point as home fans unfurled a banner mocking Vinicius Jr and Real fans.It showed a picture of City star Rodri kissing his Ballon d’Or trophy along with the words: “Stop crying your heart out.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe tifo was in reference to October’s Ballon d’Or award ceremony, which saw Rodri beat Vinicius Jr to football’s top individual prize.Real Madrid chiefs were left incensed when they discovered their Brazilian maestro had finished runner-up.And the Spanish club ended up boycotting the award ceremony as Rodri, who was injured at the time and remains sidelined with the same ACL problem, collected his award on crutches.City’s tifo looked to have worked a treat as they twice went ahead, with Erling Haaland’s second goal coming from the penalty spot in the 80th minute.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut after Kylian Mbappe had netted the first equaliser, former City youngster Brahim Diaz levelled things up again in the 86th minute before Bellingham struck his 92nd minute winner.The England star was teed up by Vinicius Jr for the defining strike.Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror showAnd Real’s flying winger now admits he was fired up to perform after seeing City fans’ tifo in the stands.He said: “I saw the banner. Whenever the opposing fans do things like that they give me more strength to have a great game and here I have done it.”On the win, Vinicius Jr added: “They know our history, everything we do in this competition.“It is the fifth time we come here, it is always very cold, but this time we have won and we have to continue this.” More

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    Exeter 2 Nottingham Forest 2 (2-4 pens): Premier League high-flyers survive huge scare against 10-men League One side

    NECO WILLIAMS scored the winning penalty in a shootout as Nottingham Forest survived a huge scare in Devon.With the game tied at 2-2 after 23 MINUTES of stoppages and another half an hour of extra-time, the game went to penalties.Josh Magennis netted the first goal from close rangeCredit: GettyTaiwo Awoniyi put Forest into the lead before the breakCredit: GettyMagennis was again on the scoresheet to level for Exeter in the second halfCredit: GettyMatz Sels was the hero for ForestCredit: PAHeartbreaking for the League One minnows, Rees Cole and Angus MacDonald failed to convert theirs and Williams stood up to fire the decisive penalty to win 4-2 in the shootout.Josh Magennis had Forest rocking when he fired Exeter into a fifth-minute lead.Romon Sosa and Taiwo Awoniyi turned the game on the head by half-time, but a Willy Bony own goal, deflecting a Magennis effort past his own keeper, after the break set-up a cracker.Exeter were reduced to ten men when debutant Ed Turns was sent off with four minutes left after being given a straight red for a late tackle on Morgan Gibbs-White.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Grecians sit a whopping 58 places below Forest in football’s pecking order.And the Premier League club made ten changes to their starting line-up with only Danilio keeping his place from the side that thumped Brighton 7-0.But any complacency that this was going to be a stroll was dispelled within five minutes.Demetri Mitchell found space on the left edge of the box to shoot with his left-foot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMatz Sels was the hero in the shootoutCredit: RexExeter put up a great fight but did not hold their nerve from the spotCredit: RexKeeper Carlos Miguel made a complete pig’s ear of it by fumbling the ball.And Magennis was on hand to fire home the rebound into the empty net.Fans hail ‘pure class’ Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis for what he did after Forest keep dream title hopes aliveForest tied the scores through a piece of good individual skill you would expect at the top level.Sosa, who scored in the third round win over Luton, was at it again by riding a couple of Exeter tackles after being played in by Ibrahim Sangare before expertly placing a shot past Whitworth.Whitworth produced a great piece of goalkeeping when he somehow managed to fling himself full-length to claw a Jack McMillan volley round the post.But Forest moved in front with a piece of lovely quality from Awoniyi.Sangare played a lovely pass into the Forest ace, with his back to goal and crowded by four Grecians defenders.And he turned on a six-pence on the end of the box to curl a superb shot past Whitworth.But Exeter were back in it after the break.From a corner, Miguel could only palm a Magennis header straight back to the striker, who shot low through a crowded six-yard box.Carlos Miguel made an error for Exeter’s openerCredit: GettyThe ball took a deflection off Boly to beat the keeper.It proved to be the last piece of the action Miguel saw as he hobbled off with a hamstring injury, with regular Matz Sels coming on.And how they needed the Belgium keeper when Niskanen exchanged passes with Magennis before his powerful low effort was saved.With 20 minutes left it was time for Forest to start bringing on their big guns. First Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White replacing Ryan Yates and Sangare.Gibbs-White combined with Anderson before seeing his powerful low shot kept out by Whitworth.Exeter were dealt a blow with four minutes left when Turns was given a harsh straight red by ref Andrew Kitchen. His tackle was a little late on Gibbs-White but the official deemed it too high.Whitworth and Awoniyi collided two minutes into the 10 added for stoppages.Both players received treatment but the Forest striker needed ten minutes of medical treatment to a head injury before being carried off on a stretcherChris Wood came on as the game had another eight minutes to go as the clock passed 10pm.And Pat Jones almost snatched a famous victory in the NINETEENTH minute of stoppage time but fired an angled effort inches wide of the left post.Then incredibly Jay Bird was put through but his effort was kept out by Sels.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd then in the 23rd minute stoppage time Gibbs-White rattled the bar.Wood saw a brilliant header kept out as Forest laid siege in extra time but Exeter held on for pens, before a heartbreaking end for the hosts.Awoniyi had to be carried off More

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    ‘Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on head

    PEP GUARDIOLA has again been spotted with what appears to be more scratches on his head.The Manchester City boss, 54, watched his side surrender a late 2-1 lead to lose 3-2 to Real Madrid at the Etihad.Fans thought they could see scratches on Pep Guardiola’s headMan City fell to a crushing late defeatCredit: AlamyCity’s last-gasp defeat leaves them with an uphill battle in the Spanish capital next week.Earlier this season, Guardiola sported several cuts on his head after City gave up a 3-0 lead to Feyenoord in the Champions League.He went on to say “I want to harm myself” before issuing an apology for the joke, claiming that he did not intend to make light of self-harming with his words.Guardiola again wore scratches on his head during City’s clash with Club Brugge last month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPosting a picture of the City boss this evening, a fan on social media wrote: “Pep is stressed man.”The reigning Premier League champions had begun the night by poking fun at Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or snub, with fans holding up a tifo of Rodri lifting the trophy alongside the message “Stop crying your heart out”.City then took the lead on 19 minutes, after a lengthy VAR check deemed Erling Haaland to have been onside from Josko Gvardiol’s knock down.Kylian Mbappe went on to level in fortuitous fashion, with his shinned volley beating Ederson.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSGuardiola, 54, looked dejected after the agmeCredit: GettyHaaland restored City’s lead from the penalty spot after substitute Phil Foden was brought down in the box.But City old boy Brahim Diaz equalised in the 86th minute, before Jude Bellingham broke home fans’ hearts with a stoppage time winner, with both goals a result of gaffes from the hosts.Pep Guardiola reveals fears as Man City prepare for Real Madrid in the Champions League Speaking after the game, Pep said: “Many times it happen this season. I know the quality of Real Madrid. We started the game really well in the first ten minutes and took it to them. “In the second half we tried to attack too quickly. “Sometimes it is not the best performance compared to the ones we had in the last three seasons but it happens because they [Real Madrid] are an exceptional team.”It happens many times this season. We gave away what we had.”Asked if the lapses were a result of something mental, he added: “Bad decisions, that’s all.”A distraught John Stones struggled to explain the collapse afterwards.He told Prime Video: “A few games after the Arsenal one, I don’t know how to put it into words straight away, it’s so raw and frustrating for everyone.”We were in the game until so late and then it’s two situations that happen and we concede. It’s frustrating as a defender to come away with that result.”It’s a feeling of anger and frustration.”We need to see games out better. The manager said we need to take accountability for what we do on the pitch, I think we do that. We need to step up when these bad moments happen.Guardiola previously cut his face after a clash with Feyenoord”Today we had a great opportunity to go to the Bernabeu with a 2-1 lead. It’s not done. We have to stay positive, which is difficult now.”As the manager says we need to look at ourselves and take accountability.”We were right on top at the start of the game and we know Real have quality to come out in the second half. It is avoidable from us as the eleven on the pitch. We have to do better – it’s as simple as that.”We have to keep a positive mentality and try to put it right.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCity will face Real Madrid again in the second leg next Wednesday.In the meantime, they will host Newcastle in the Premier League this Saturday.City wasted a golden opportunity to take a lead to SpainCredit: Reuters More

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    Taiwo Awoniyi injury latest: Nottingham Forest striker carried off on stretcher in FA Cup after collision with keeper

    TAIWO AWONIYI was carried off on a stretcher after a serious collision with Exeter City keeper Joe Whitworth.Whitworth came out to claim a high ball and accidentally hit Awoniyi – the striker appeared to headbutt the keeper, leaving him on the floor.Awoniyi, who had scored Nottingham Forest’s second, received treatment from club doctors and paramedics.He appeared to have been put into the recovery position but it is not clear if he lost consciousness – the striker was then carried off on a stretcher after around TEN minutes. There was good news soon after, with reports that Awoniyi was able to walk back to the changing rooms from the medical centre – he is said to have ‘looked a bit groggy’ but was walking unaided.Exeter City came close to a giant killing in a thrilling encounter but eventually fell to a penalty shootout defeat to Nuno’s side.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Caldwell ‘proud’ after losing ‘lottery’Exeter chief Gary Caldwell says their FA Cup shootout agony showed what a “special football club” he has – as “the only supporter-owned club in England.Caldwell told ITV: “I am really proud of the team and the whole football club really. “We just came up short on penalties, which is a lottery. I am really proud of the players.”I thought we were outstanding. With 10 men it was backs against the wall. We could have won or lost it near the end. It is a fantastic effort from the players.”I think it shows the potential and what they are capable of and they can raise their game.” We have to show that commitment to each other and if we do that, I am sure we have got a lot to look forward to.”]Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedNuno just ‘happy’ to go throughForest boss Nuno Espirito Santo admitted his relief at going through.He told ITV: “We started in a bad way but the response was good. “We had another setback after half-time and it became so hard. Credit to Exeter. I am happy in the end that we are going through.”And asked what his Prem high-flies could have done better, he added So many things. It was hard to play. It was a hard game.”Nuno Espirito Santo congratulates keeper Matz SelsCredit: PA–Copy linkCopiedWe ‘live’ for these Mag-estic nightsExeter skipper Josh Magennis says clubs “live for” such FA Cup occasions – after Forest finally killed them off.Magennis told ITV: “Going down to 10 men killed the momentum a little bit. I was entrusted to be captain of the team so I thought it was my responsibility to step forward and take the first penalty.”They’re not in their position in the Premier League for no reason. It’s back to bread and butter and we’ve not been in a rich vein of form. “But we can take positives from this. We can take confidence.”Everyone left the stadium knowing that was an entertaining match. These type of nights you want to live for.”Copy linkCopiedSels admits Forest made it ‘difficult’Forest keeper Matz Sels is dreaming of incredible seasons in both the Prem and FA cup.After edging out Exeter, Sels told ITV: : “We knew before the game it would be difficult. “We didn’t start the game well so I think after we came back well, we finished the game. It was just about ourselves and we made it difficult.”It is a positive to go to the next round.”Step by step. We have some important games in the league and then full focus on the cup. We try to continue as long as possible and we will see how far we can go.”Copy linkCopiedFull fifth-round drawPreston North End v BurnleyAston Villa v Cardiff CityCrystal Palace v MillwallManchester United v FulhamNewcastle United v BrightonBournemouth v WolvesManchester City v Plymouth ArgyleNottingham Forest v Ipswich TownMatches to be played on the weekend of March 1-2Copy linkCopiedIpswich next for ForestSo after three hours of action, Forest edged through to a last-16 tie with fellow Prem side Ipswich.But Nuno Espírito Santo’s men mostly celebrated their penalty triumph in low-key fashionMorgan Gibbs-White, centre, leads Forest in a mixture of joy and reliefCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedFULL TIME: EXETER 2-2 NOTTINGHAM FOREST (2-4 on penalties)Neco Williams smashes into the top corner and breaks Exeter hearts.A phenomenal effort from the League One side, but Forest clinical from the spot when it mattered.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedPenalties – Exeter 2-3 Nottingham ForestTony Yogane has to score…great penalty. SCORES. Copy linkCopiedPenalties – Exeter 1-3 Nottingham ForestAnderson steps up for Forest…SCORES.Copy linkCopiedPenalties – Exeter 1-2 Nottingham ForestAngus MacDonald steps up for the Grecians…MISSES.It’s a cruel game. He smacked the crossbar. Copy linkCopiedPenalties – Exeter 1-2 Nottingham ForestGibbs-White for the visitors…SCORES. Advantage to the Prem side. Copy linkCopiedPenalties – Exeter 1-1 Nottingham ForestReece Cole for Exeter…SAVED by Selz.A really strong hand, tipping it round the post. Copy linkCopiedPenalties – Exeter 1-1 Nottingham ForestChris Wood up for Forest..SCORES!Copy linkCopiedPenalties – Exeter 1-0 Nottingham ForestMagennis SCORES. Was it ever in doubt? He’s been terrific. Copy linkCopiedPenalties – Exeter vs Nottingham ForestThe penalties will be taken infront of the Exeter home terrace. Magennis has the ball, he’ll be taking the first for the home side…Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME: EXETER 2-2 NOTTINGHAM FORESTWhatever happens now, what a stunning effort from Exeter City.They take Nottingham Forest to penalties, playing almost 45 minutes with ten-men. Spot-kicks are on the way, don’t go anywhere.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedExtra time – Exeter 2-2 Nottingham Forest30′ – That might have been the chance. Dominguez with another first-time strike in the box – and the ball flies just wide of the left post. Exeter defend a corner moments later, the whistle imminent…Copy linkCopiedExtra time – Exeter 2-2 Nottingham Forest29′ – Tony Yogane hits the deck with cramp.He came on as a sub! Spot-kicks beckon – unless someone can conjure some magic from nowhere. Copy linkCopiedExtra time – Exeter 2-2 Nottingham Forest26′ – All the game being played in Exeter’s box now. Domingues with the strike after pinball from a corner – it flies just over the bar. Jay Bird hits the deck as Exeter try and reach that magic 120 minute mark. Copy linkCopiedFrom Justin Allen at St James ParkThis has been an extraordinary cup tie. I cannot understand where Exeter are getting all this energy from. They are down to 10 men but are hanging in there.Chris Wood should have buried that header but you have to give keeper Joe Whitworth a lot of credit for getting down low to deny him.Copy linkCopiedExtra time – Exeter 2-2 Nottingham Forest22′ – After those forays forward in the first half of ET, Exeter now getting deeper and deeper.They win a freekick for a foul on Jones by Sosa, milking the minutes.These next eight minutes will seem like an eternity for the home support. Copy linkCopiedExtra time – Exeter 2-2 Nottingham Forest19′ – Clear instructions from Nuno to stop the pot-shots from 25 yards.And twice Forest are in behind Exeter, only for last ditch blocks to stop the cross. Do that for the remaining few minutes and Forest should carve out a decent chance against this tiring defence.Moments later, Whitworth with a brilliant reaction save to deny Chris Wood from point-blank range. Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedExtra time – Exeter 2-2 Nottingham Forest16′ – Fantastic noise in the ground, powered by that huge, throwback terrace behind the goal. Ten-man Exeter have been fantastic.They have 15 minutes to survive and earn a deserved shot at welcoming Ipswich Town in round five. Copy linkCopiedET half-time: Exeter 2-2 Nottingham ForestTireless work from the Grecians. They scrap their way to 105 minutes and are still in this one. You feel like there’s going to be one big chance, just like the Jota strike seconds from the end of normal time. Who fancies being the hero?Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedExtra time – Exeter 2-2 Nottingham Forest12′ – A shake of the head from Nuno Santo as Elliot Anderson takes aim from 25 yards.He nearly clears the terrace behind the goal, to the delight of the capacity crowd at St James’. Forest not making their extra man count as it stands. Copy linkCopied More

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    Man City vs Real Madrid player ratings: Haaland shines for City as Ederson struggles but Vinicius Jr has last laugh

    REAL MADRID always find a way in the Champions League and Vinicius Jr made sure they had the last laugh at the Eithad.The Brazilian winger was taunted by City fans before the game with a huge banner that reminded him of his Ballon d’Or snubbing last season.Erling Haaland scored twice but it was not enough for CityCredit: GettyEderson had a tough night in goalCredit: GettyJude Bellingham tapped in from close range to win it for Real MadridCredit: GettyBut Vini Jr showed his quality throughout as Kylian Mbappe, Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham made the most of Ederson’s tough evening. Here is how SunSport rated the performances.MANCHESTER CITYEDERSON – 5Some great saves to keep City in the tie – but will be disappointed with the goals and ended up having a disaster. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMANUEL AKANJI – 6 Makeshift right-back did well against Vinicius but picked up a knock and did not reappear for second half.RUBEN DIAS – 6City much more solid with the Portuguese at the back but even he found it tough against Real Madrid’s rapid forwards. Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNATHAN AKE – 6Tough to be plunged back from injury in such a difficult game. great tackle to deny Mendy certain goal and lasted. Man City cheekily welcome Vinicius Jr before fans unveil brutal ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ tifo amid Ballon d’Or dramaJOSKO GVARDIOL – 7Played his part in City opener and a wonderful tackle on Mbappe in second half. JOHN STONES  – 7Pushed into midfield and it worked wel, but then dropped back in second-half reshuffle.BERNARDO SILVA –  6Gave away the free-kick that led to first equaliser but could not fault his work-rate in the middle.JACK GREALISH – 5Surprise pick to start and played his part in opener but so unlucky to see his night ended by injury around the half-hour mark.KEVIN DE BRUYNE – 6Did not stand out like he has sometimes against Madrid but the skipper deserved his ovation.SAVINHO – 6Worried the visitors at times in the first half with his pace and directness but faded in the second half. ERLING HAALAND – 8Finally broke his duck against Madrid, hit the bar after the break and kept his nerve with the pen. SUBS:FODEN (for Grealish 30) 6 Won the pen and some nice moments.LEWIS (for Akanji 46) 5 Painful ending for the youngster.KOVACIC (for Ake 61) 5Struggled to make an impact against old club.GUNDOGAN for De Bruyne 86) 5Not much chance to make impact.MARMOUSH (for Savinho 86) 5No time to do anything of note.It was another late collapse from City in Europe this seasonCredit: EPAReal Madrid found a way in the Champions League againCredit: PAREAL MADRIDTHIBAUT COURTOIS – 6Good save from Foden but not given much chance with Haaland goals.FEDE VALVERDE – 7Too good to be playing full-back but showed his quality. Run and shot that clipped the bar.  AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI – 6Pressed into action as an emergency centre-back and did a decent job for his boss.RAUL ASENCIO – 7Only fit centre back, produced a good block to keep out Haaland in the first half and kept it together when City got on top.FERLAND MENDY – 6Dallied too long with a sight of goal allowing Ake to block – kept it tight down his flank. 6EDUARDO CAMAVINGA – 7 A class act in the middle of the park helped Madrid get control back off City in the first half. DANI CEBALLOS – 5Provided the key pass that finally got Madrid level but then clumsy tackle on Foden for the pen. JUDE BELLINGHAM – 7Header wide from Vinicius cross early in second half and saw another saved by Ederson but had the last word.RODRYGO – 6So often the scourge of City and always a threat but it was his replacement who got the equaliser.KYLIAN MBAPPE – 7Could have had a hat-trick in the first half before finally scoring off his shin – what a livewire though. VINICIUS JR – 8Booed by home fans over the Ballon d’Or snub but showed his quality to create the dramatic late winner.SUBS:MODRIC (for Ceballos 80) 6Some nice touches from the veteran.READ MORE SUN STORIESBRAHIM (for Rodrygo 84) 6 Key moment as he grabbed the second equaliser against old club. More

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    Sarina Wiegman says ‘less minutes’ at club level is behind decision to drop England ace Chloe Kelly

    SARINA WIEGMAN hinted the door is still open for Chloe Kelly to win an England squad spot again despite the forward being dropped.  Kelly, 27, was among the high-profile omissions from the group named ahead of their Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain.Chloe Kelly will miss England’s upcoming Nations League games against Portugal and Spain after being dropped from the Lionesses squadEngland boss Sarina Wiegman insists Kelly still has a chance to make the Euros if she gets game time and impresses at Arsenal More

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    Benjamin Mendy joins relegation-battling Swiss club in shock free transfer after terminating contract at Ligue 2 side

    BENJAMIN MENDY has joined FC Zurich in a shock free transfer.The defender has not featured all season having been exiled by Lorient manager Olivier Pantaloni.Benjamin Mendy has left Lorient on a free transferCredit: AFPHe has signed an 18-month contract with FC ZurichCredit: InstagramMendy, 30, has now completed his much expected exit of the Ligue 2 club.The full-back has signed a deal that will run until the summer of 2026.Zurich president Ancillo Canepa has insisted Mendy will provide support to the young players.He said: “Of course, we are very pleased and also a little proud that we could sign such a high-quality player.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He will be above all an important support for our young players.”Zurich are currently 8th in the Swiss Super League and could end in the relegation round with five other teams.Mendy had joined Lorient in 2023 on a two-year contract but was hampered by injuries in his first season.In total the former Manchester City player only featured 15 times for the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe made the move to the Etihad in 2017 in a big-money move from AS Monaco.During his time at the Cityzens, he played 75 games, scoring two goals and adding 12 assists.Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobHe left the club by mutual consent in 2023 having not played since August 2021 following an accusation of rape.He was suspended by Man City after he was arrested.Mendy was cleared of rape and attempted rape at Chester Crown Court in 2023.He has also won a legal battle with Man City over £11.5million in unpaid wages. More