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      Ronaldinho didn’t hesitate when naming best atmosphere he’d ever played in with Nou Camp and San Siro snubbed

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      RONALDINHO is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time.The Brazilian has won several accolades and played for some of the world’s biggest clubs.Ronaldinho claimed Fratton Park has one of the best atmosphere’s in world footballCredit: GettyRonaldinho starred for AC Milan against Portsmouth in 2008Credit: AFPFrom the Nou Camp and the Santiago Bernabeu to the San Siro and the Maracana, Ronaldinho has also graced some of the most iconic stadiums.But one of his favourites is a Championship ground in the south of England.Following AC Milan’s 2-2 draw with Portsmouth in 2008, Ronaldinho claimed Fratton Park had “the best atmosphere in world football.”The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner was one of Milan’s goalscorers on the night, alongside Filippo Inzaghi.Read More in FootballIt sent the Italian side into the Uefa Cup’s last 32.Jose Mourinho, Thierry Henry, Petr Cech and Ralph Hassenhuttl are among the other names in football to have praised Fratton Park.Following his three-year spell at AC Milan – where he scored 26 goals and provided 29 assists in 95 outings – Ronaldinho went on to play for Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro, Queretaro and Fluminense.He also scored 33 goals in 97 appearances for the Brazil national team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRonaldinho’s son, Joao Mendes, signed for Burnley earlier this year.He penned a contract with the Clarets that will run until 2026.Brazil legend Ronaldinho baffles fans as he makes surprise appearance on Turkish game show and scores bicycle kick More

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      How Liam Delap has blossomed into ‘best young English striker’ thanks to famous dad and Ipswich superfan Ed Sheeran

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      LIAM Delap has been one of the Premier League’s standout signings this season.Ipswich Town parted with £20million to bring the ex-Man City youngster, 21, to Suffolk.Liam Delap has been scoring goals for fun at Ipswich Town this seasonCredit: GettyDelap was a handful for Man Utd last weekendCredit: PAIpswich Town minority owner Ed Sheeran helped bring Delap to the clubCredit: GettyBut that will be money well spent if his goals keep Kieran McKenna’s side in the top flight.Already, Delap has managed six goals in 12 league games, and was a handful for Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd side last weekend.The 6ft1in centre forward, who was handed a Premier League debut by Pep Guardiola in 2020, was in two minds in joining Ipswich in the summer.That was until minority owner Ed Sheeran got involved to get the transfer over the line.read more football newsAnd now Delap is being touted as Harry Kane’s successor for the striker role for England.BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.Most read in Football”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre Sheer brillianceIt’s not often one of the biggest pop stars in the world has a hand in getting a transfer deal over the line.However, when it’s Ipswich Town superfan Ed Sheeran, then it becomes more understandable.When he’s not gatecrashing Sky Sports interviews with new Man Utd boss Amorim, the singer/songwriter is asking players to join the club he has shares in.Back in the summer, Sheeran got on a Zoom call with Liam Delap and convinced the him his future belonged in East Anglia.Liam Delap has become one of the league’s hottest strikersIn a story told be the club’s CEO Mark Ashton at a Soccerex event, we learned: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”While Ashton remained coy on who the player was, he let the cat out of the bag when asked how the footballer was getting on this season.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”Delap came through the ranks at Man CityCredit: GettyAlready, Delap has been touted as Harry Kane’s successor for EnglandCredit: Rexread more sport featuresIt’s in the genesFootball is in Delap’s blood. His dad Rory played for Stoke City, and Delap Jr appeared on the set of Soccer AM in 2014 alongside his father.The former Stoke City and Ireland midfielder is best remembered for his insane long throw-ins.As a youth player, that was something that Liam also had in his arsenal.However, when one parent took exception to the youngster’s long-throws he refused to take another throw again.“I think he was put off when he was about an under-10!” Delap Sr. revealed in an interview with Radio Stoke.“One of the parents shouted that he was ruining the game when he took a throw and he hasn’t taken one since.”I don’t think that will be part of his game.”However, one thing he has inherited from his dad’s game is aggression.”(Aggression) always been a part of my game. I need it in my game,” he said in an interview with  the Manchester Evening News.Former Stoke City hero Rory Delap is Liam’s dadCredit: AFPLiam seen on the set of Soccer AM in 2014Credit: Twitter / @RoryJDelapLike his dad, Liam Delap has an aggressive streakCredit: Getty”When I’m on that edge it’s when I’m at my best, it’s just not tipping over that edge and everyone has told me that they’d never want to take it out of me, it’s just controlling that final tipping point of what is acceptable and what’s not.”You can’t really teach it, it’s just something I have and I’m so grateful that I’ve got it but it’s just now working a mechanism that I can control it to keep myself on the pitch.”I’ve got a lot better. I was a lot worse when I was younger so I think it’s just maturing and understanding what’s right.”Inspired by RonaldoA different type of player to his dad, blessed with power and pace, Liam is inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo.”I’ve always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Just the way he plays, the pace and the power.In the past Delap has revealed he is a fan of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyDelap knows he has to continue to work at his game to reach the topCredit: Getty”For me, he’s the best in the world so aspiring to someone who is the best in the world, your dreams just have to be high.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listening to people that he’s worked with, the extras and lengths that he goes to look after his body and get better every day just shows why he’s at the top level.”You can have talent but talent on its own doesn’t work without effort.” More

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      Neville Foulger dead: Legendary BBC commentator who was ‘voice of Leicester City’ dies aged 85 as tributes pour in

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      ICONIC football commentator Neville Foulger has died.The former BBC Radio Leicester commentator has passed away at age 85 after a long career bringing football commentary to fans.Neville Foulger has passed awayCredit: Leicester City Football ClubFoulger, who was coined the “voice of Leicester City”, covered the Foxes from the late 1990’s until his retirement in 2004.But he still kept by the mic for a number of years afterwards as a true lover of the sport.Foulger also published a number of books about Coventry City and Leicester. The commentary legend had a respected career in journalism for over half a century and will be sadly missed by fans up and down the country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile he leaves behind wife Fran, children David and Anne and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildrenLeicester City’s official X account paid tribute to the hero, writing: “We are all saddened to hear of the passing of much-loved journalist, Neville Foulger.”Covering countless City games, Nev commentated on some of the Club’s greatest moments across several decades.”Nev was known by many generations as the voice of Leicester City, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”Most read in FootballWhile BBC Radio Leicester Sport posted: “Some sad news this afternoon.”Former BBC Radio Leicester commentator Neville Foulger has passed away at the age of 85.”He was the voice of Leicester City during one its golden eras under Martin O’Neill in the 1990s.”Our love goes to his family. Thanks for the memories, Nev.”Foulger didn’t just cover Leicester but also worked as a broadcaster and journalist in Nottingham, Birmingham and Coventry.Fans who were raised listening to his iconic commentary also paid tribute to the star online.One wrote: “RIP to one of the great regional sports journalists. Really, really good bloke. Farewell, Nev – Leicester will be poorer without you.”While another added: “Rest in peace Neville, a true Leicester legend”.And a third posted: “Very sad news. RIP Neville, loved listening to his commentary when I was a kid and couldn’t attend games”. More

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      Manchester United’s Gabby George opens up on England call-up joy following the ‘difficult moment’ of her knee injury

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      HAVING space to rant at Manchester United during the toughest days of her knee injury, helped spur Gabby George’s fight back to fitness. Now the defender, 27, is relishing her return to England duty 14 months after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament. Gabby George has joined up with her England team-mates this week for the first time since November 2022The defender’s Lionesses call-up follows her making a return to WSL match action in October following an ACL injuryGeorge, who has two senior England caps, hopes to impress Sarina Wiegman whose team are due to play the USA and SwitzerlandIt was in October last year, a month after sealing a permanent move to United from Everton that George’s season was cut short.Four games into the 2023-24 campaign, the full-back tore her ACL during the club’s 1-1 draw with Leicester in the top-flight. The twice-capped Manchester-born player did not return to WSL action until this September when her side beat West Ham 3-0 at Old Trafford. And the full-back intends to enjoy her football after coming through this “difficult moment”. Read More Football Stories Speaking at England’s base, yesterday she said: “I’d just signed for Manchester United.”I had so many dreams and ambitions that I wanted to achieve, and it was all taken away from me within four games. “The hardest part of an injury is understanding why and you never know why, that’s the toughest part. “It was a difficult moment and I’m happy to have come through it with the help of Manchester United. Most read in Football”On the days that were tough I was able to go into the changing room and if I needed to cry, I could cry, and if I needed to rant, I could rant to them. “They always listened and never made me feel like I was a burden and that was the key thing. “We have a great squad and staff and I was able to speak to all of the staff.”But it’s behind me now and I’m just happy and I’m in a position where I can play again.”George, whose knee injuries kept her out of two FA Cup finals with Everton and United, could be set to feature for England this Saturday. When you’ve been through so much and you get those little wins, it’s a big thing.Gabby GeorgeAlthough her club are fifth in the league, her call-up follows her contribution to United keeping five clean sheets in eight games. The Lionesses take on Emma Hayes’s Olympic gold medal-winning USA stars at Wembley at 5:45pm this Saturday. George’s last call-up for England was before their November 2022 campThe full-back was named on the bench ahead of a 4-0 friendly defeat of Japan and a 1-1 draw with Norway. George, whose cousin is ex-Man United winger Jesse Lingard, adds: “I’ve come back this season and I’ve wanted to enjoy my football. Wherever that takes me, it takes me. “Luckily I was able to get an England call-up but I want to continue enjoying my football because that’s when I play my best.”Of her call-up conversation with Lioness boss Sarina Wiegman, George said: “I was stuttering on the phone and I’m never lost for words! I was buzzing for it. “When you’ve been through so much and you get those little wins, it’s a big thing for you. I’m all about celebrating those wins.”England’s duels with the USA and with Switzerland next Tuesday, will serve as prep for their two upcoming Nations League games.Aside from Portugal, the Lionesses will play World Cup champions Spain next February. It will be the first game between the sides since England’s 1-0 loss to their rivals in last August’s Women’s World Cup final in Australia. And George hopes to make her mark before Wiegman’s squad selection for both fixtures.The USA will take on England for the first time since Emma Hayes took charge of the team this summerShe said: “Sarina knows what she’s doing. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I feel like, us training and being in this environment, we have a chance to showcase ourselves and if we get minutes, we get minutes. “If we don’t, we’re just going to have to keep pushing and working hard.” More

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      Dream Team managers can repeat Caoimhin Kelleher ‘trick’ with Fraser Forster following Guglielmo Vicario’s ankle injury

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      DREAM TEAM managers have been presented with an opportunity to repeat a useful trick.Guglielmo Vicario (£3.1m) has been ruled out for the foreseeable future having undergone surgery on a fractured ankle.Toittenham’s No1 sustained the injury against Manchester City on Saturday and bravely played through the pain to keep a clean sheet at the Etihad and contribute to his side’s impressive 4-0 victory.No timescale has been given in regards to the Italian goalkeeper’s rehabilitation at the time of writing but he will surely be unavailable for several weeks.Are you watching closely?Credit: Dream TeamDream Team bosses don’t like to see players get injured and most will wish Vicario a speedy recovery but it’s simply a fact that incidents such as this create an opportunity in the world of fantasy football.Suddenly, Fraser Forster (£1.8m) is in line to start between the sticks for Spurs over the busy festive period.The 36-year-old is the established deputy having played three games this season, two in the Europa League and one in the Carabao Cup.Currently available for just £1.8m, he is ridiculously affordable for a player who is now a starter for one of the more prominent Premier League clubs.TOTTENHAM’S DECEMBER FIXTURES:Fulham (h)Bournemouth (a)Chelsea (h)Rangers (a)Southampton (a)Manchester United (h)Liverpool (h)Nottingham Forest (a)Wolves (h)Most read in FootballForster should get plenty of minutes across the next few GameweeksCredit: GettyIf this strategy sounds familiar it’s because many Dream Team bosses have followed the same path with Caoimhin Kelleher (£2.6m) recently.The Irish keeper has deputised for the injured Alisson (£5.1m) with aplomb across the last five Gameweeks.In that time, Kelleher has notched 40 points from seven outings via three clean sheets and 19 saves, including one to deny Adam Armstrong (£2.7m) from the penalty spot.The 26-year-old is currently level with Andre Onana (£4.2m) as the most in-form asset in his position.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 NOWKelleher has provided excellent value for money while Alisson has been sidelinedCredit: GettyGaffers who opted to recruit Kelleher not only freed up some budget to invest elsewhere, they have been rewarded with a steady stream of points.However, with Alisson having returned to training, Kelleher’s time as starting keeper for the Reds is coming to an end.In this sense, Forster’s emergence as a viable option is perfectly timed.Granted, this latest interpretation of the reserve goalkeeper trick is not quite as appealing as Spurs are not as strong as Liverpool and, with all due respect, Forster is not as reliable as Kelleher – the latter would be first choice at several other top flight clubs.That being said, Forster’s current price of £1.8m is hugely inviting.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Roy Keane ‘set to have BODYGUARD for Liverpool vs Man City’ after Sky Sports pundit’s heated row with Ipswich fan

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      ROY KEANE and his fellow Sky Sports pundits are reportedly set to be protected by bodyguards for their coverage of Liverpool vs Man City this weekend.Keane was caught up in a fan altercation at Portman Road on Sunday, ultimately offering to meet an Ipswich Town fan “in the car park” following a barrage of abuse from the supporter.Roy Keane and his fellow Sky Sports pundits will be protected by security guards for Liverpool vs Man CityCredit: GettyKeane was caught up in a row with an Ipswich Town fan at the weekendCredit: https://x.com/adenLFC4lifeThe Manchester United legend was ushered away from the incident by Sky production staff and Jamie Redknapp after things got heated on the touchline.And according to The Mail, security staff are expected to be alongside the Sky Sports team for their coverage of Sunday’s big game.They claim that Sky’s standard procedure includes a risk assessment on each fixture, with those games deemed high risk resulting in security staff accompanying pundits through public areas. It’s reported that a big game such as Liverpool vs Man City is expected to be considered high risk and therefore will have security staff present at Anfield.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe process is no different to how Sky normally approach their fixtures and security, it just so happens that their next televised game is a big game and considered as high risk.It’s claimed that Sky have no plans to increase their security efforts going forward.Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp, Kelly Cates and Izzy Christiansen have all been asked to help investigate Sunday’s incident by the broadcaster.Keane has found himself caught up in fan drama during Premier League fixtures in the past.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn June, Arsenal fan Scott Law was given a three-year banning order by magistrates and ordered to pay £764 after head-butting Keane after a dispute in a lounge at the Emirates Stadium.That incident occurred following the Gunners’ win over Man Utd in September 2023. ‘If he wants to pay’- Roy Keane accepts Ruben Amorim’s offer to meet Man Utd legend live on TVKeane has recently spoken out about his career as a pundit, hinting that he won’t keep going for much longer given the treatment he receives from fans.He said: “I’ll struggle for the next 10 months doing this. I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fan.”I was in court a few months ago with somebody headbutting me. Do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not.”The games are fine [but] getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name, good stuff, bad stuff, it’s a nuisance. Being a pundit in 10 years? No.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo warned he risks being displaced as ‘biggest name’ in Saudi Pro League

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      MOHAMED SALAH would displace Cristiano Ronaldo as the biggest name in the Saudi Pro League if he makes the move from Liverpool, according to ex-Manchester United star Lee Sharpe.The 32-year-old’s Liverpool future is currently in doubt, with his contract set to expire next June.Mohamed Salah would become the biggest player in the Saudi Pro League if he joins, according to an ex-United starCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo is currently the face of the leagueCredit: ReutersOn Sunday he revealed he is yet to receive a new offer from the club.Salah even suggested he is more likely to leave than stay at Anfield come the end of the season.Following Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton at St Mary’s, the winger said: “Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in.”I’m not going to retire soon so I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well.Read More in Football”I’m disappointed but we will see.”Salah has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia over the 18 months.Al-Ittihad pushed to sign him in a huge £170million transfer last summer, but Liverpool rejected the bid.With the winger potentially in line to leave Merseyside in a free transfer next year, he could be the subject of a huge transfer battle among several Saudi clubs.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEx-United winger Lee Sharpe claims Salah is better than RonaldoCredit: GettyAnd if he were to join the star-studded Pro League, he would become the biggest name.That is according to ex-Man Utd winger Sharpe, who claims he would dominate the division.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in tears as 39-year-old becomes first player EVER to score 900 goalsSharpe told Racing Tipster: “I can only imagine Mohamed Salah would go to Saudi Arabia, as I don’t think anyone else will be able to afford him.”There’s also nowhere else he could go in Europe that’s a bigger club, with a bigger fanbase, crowd and atmosphere than he has at Liverpool – he’s not going to go to Manchester United, that’s for sure!”He’ll likely just want to secure his future and have an easier life in Saudi.”If he did go there, he’d be the biggest player in the Saudi Pro League – he’s still young and fit enough to dominate.”We see Cristiano Ronaldo doing well over there, but I think Salah is a better player and a bigger name than him these days.”Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher admitted he was “disappointed” with Salah’s comments during an appearance on Monday Night Football.He said: “Of course, there’s been discussions. Right now, there’s obviously a big difference in valuation, how Salah and his agent value themselves, in terms of length of contract, and how Liverpool do. “So the reason Liverpool wouldn’t have offered a contract yet is because Mo Salah will turn it down.”They’re still in talks, I’m desperate for them to meet in the middle.  But I must say, I am very disappointed with Mo Salah. That interview last night…”Liverpool have Real Madrid in midweek and Manchester City next weekend. That’s the story for Liverpool right now. “And Mo Salah, we’re aware – certainly the local reporters near the club – that in seven years he’s stopped in the mixed zone twice.”That’s absolutely fine. But he stops for the third time away at Southampton on the back of winning Liverpool the game and putting that out.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If he continues to put comments out or his agent continues to put cryptic tweets out, that is selfish.”That’s thinking about themselves and not the football club.” More

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      FIFA President’s Bet on Club World Cup Meets Reality

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      Gianni Infantino has tied his legacy to the 32-team tournament, even inscribing his name on the trophy. Its success is far from guaranteed.Next summer, the United States will play host to an event that may define the legacy of FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino.The Club World Cup, featuring 32 men’s teams gathered from leagues across the globe, is Mr. Infantino’s signature innovation, a competition he is so wedded to that his name appears on the newly created championship trophy not once but twice.The tournament will take place in June and July in stadiums around the United States and is an attempt to deliver on Mr. Infantino’s oft-quoted catchphrase about making soccer “truly global.” It is his ambition to create a quadrennial club tournament that will grow into one of sports’ tent-pole events and endure long after he leaves office.But despite Mr. Infantino’s high hopes, there is no guarantee that the tournament will be a success. Obstacles and missteps have blighted the path to the first game, and a huge uncertainty over its funding continues, even as a draw for the event is set to take place in Miami on Dec. 5.In Europe, leagues and the global players’ union have filed lawsuits over what they say are Mr. Infantino and FIFA’s unilateral moves to add more events to an already congested global calendar that risks the health of players. Fans have also expressed dismay at how, in an effort to generate interest, FIFA appeared to have found a way to secure a place for Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami squad, eliminated from the Major League Soccer playoffs in the opening round. That happened despite Mr. Infantino’s insistence that the tournament would be the most merit-based in the world. But some of the biggest concerns persist around the event’s business model.With less than a year to go before the tournament, FIFA, which has kept its revenue projections guarded, has started to share some of the details with a broader circle of officials and some of the 32 participating teams. Those include some of Europe’s biggest, like Real Madrid, which have demanded significant eight-figure fees in addition to prize money to appear.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More