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      Huge boost for footie fans as UK to host FOUR-DAY Champions League festival ahead of Wembley final

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      LONDON will host a four-day festival at five locations across the city ahead of the Champions League final in Wembley.The grand finale of the prestigious European club competition is returning to the capital for the first time since 2013.A four-day festival will be held before the Wembley showdownCredit: GettyLondon Mayor Sadiq Khan revealed the details todayCredit: GettyBorussia Dortmund beat the odds to reach the Champions League final this yearCredit: AFPToday, Sadiq Khan unveiled plans for the “family-friendly” celebration in the run-up to Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid’s clash on Saturday, June 1.The festival will include concerts, community events, and, of course, a lot of football.Events will be planned across five central London locations.It will take place at Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Somerset House, Potters Fields Park and South Bank.Read More in FootballFestivities will kick off on Thursday, May 30, in Trafalgar Square as the Champions League trophy is welcomed to London.The square will then be filled with inflatable football activities, a five-aside mini pitch and food stalls.This will be followed by a headline performance from Hackney’s Rudimental on Friday May 31.The show will be powered by the movement of dancing fans through a “kinetic dancefloor” before the night culminates with a DJ set by Faithless.Most read in FootballRegent Street will be pedestrianised between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus for the last two days of May to enable penalty shootout challenges and other activities.Meanwhile, Champions League legends from around the globe will be at Somerset House showcasing their skills in a five-a-side tournament.At Potters Fields Park, by Tower Bridge, a giant inflatable UEFA Champions League trophy will greet visitors, with interactive installations and activities continuing along the South Bank.It is hoped the festival, which ends on June 2, will attract many Londoners as well as the tens of thousands of travelling fans for the two teams.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichUefa’s general secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, said: “Festival-goers will enjoy a wide array of family-friendly entertainment, creating memories that will last a lifetime ahead of what is sure to be another epic encounter at the iconic Wembley Stadium.”Mr Khan said: “London is the sporting capital of the world and so it’s fitting that we are hosting the Uefa Champions League final. “I am proud that Europe’s biggest match will take place in London and delighted that thousands of Londoners and visitors will be able to experience the thrill of this special competition through the Uefa Champions Festival. “This is the start of an incredible sporting summer for London and a key part of our work to build a better London for everyone.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTransport for London has advised travellers that public transport is likely to be very busy on Saturday, June 1, particularly the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. The Metropolitan Police have meanwhile said they will be working closely with UEFA, the FA, Wembley Stadium, local authorities and other emergency services, to ensure the safety of fans and festival-goers.Jude Bellingham will represent Real Madrid and face his former side in the finalCredit: GettyTrafalgar Square will be one event location for footy fansCredit: PAWembley will once again host the Champions League final this yearCredit: Getty More

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      Fans ask ‘which body part is that?’ as PSG star shows off gruesome results of surgery after horror injury

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      PRESNEL KIMPEMBE has offered an injury update after spending more than 400 days sidelined by an Achilles issue.The Paris Saint-Germain defender, 28, has not played since February 2023.Presnel Kimpembe has had to go under the knifeCredit: Instagram / @kimpembe3Kimpembe, 28, showed fans the gruesome reality of his injuryCredit: Instagram / @kimpembe3The centre-back has not played since February 2023Credit: ReutersKimpembe initially suffered the Achilles injury in October 2022.He returned three months later, but following just a trio of appearances had to undergo surgery after being stretchered off against Marseille.Amid PSG’s latest title celebrations, the centre-back posted a series of snaps to his Instagram account.They featured a number of pictures of him celebrating in full kit alongside his team-mates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile they also included an image of his heel post-surgery, laying bare to fans the gruesome reality of his injury.The popular defender captioned his post: “One more title. And a 50th for history.”A difficult season but full of personal learning. 1 more to go get it all together.”Every obstacle strengthens the resolve”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Thank you for your continued support!”Fans couldn’t believe the picture of his heel post-surgery, with one asking: “Which body part is that??”Paul Pogba and Presnel Kimpembe watch David Beckham’s Inter Miami While a second wrote: “Christ I thought his foot had gone.”Plenty of PSG fans also offered words of support, with one commenting: “We really miss you on defence.”While a second gushed: “We love you Presko.”Alongside a heart emoji, Ethan Mbappe added: “PRESKOOOO.”Kimpembe has played 236 times for PSG, having debuted in 2014.He has enjoyed a glittering career to date, winning seven Ligue 1 titles, four Coupes de France, four Coupes de la Ligue and the Fifa World Cup in 2018.Kimpembe was involved in PSG’s title celebrationsCredit: Instagram / @kimpembe3Kimpembe played alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar last seasonCredit: EPAKimpembe won the World Cup alongside Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane DembeleCredit: Reuters More

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      Forgotten Premier League star, 35, now worth millions after lucrative career change

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      FORMER Premier League star Florin Gardos has swapped boots and matches for bricks and mortar by becoming a property developer.Now he is rolling in it after his new career renovating houses in London and building new homes in Romania.A former Romania defender is now worth a fortune after success in another careerCredit: GettyFlorin Gardos, pictured in action for Southampton against Arsenal, spent four years at SaintsCredit: GettySouthampton paid Steaua Bucharest £6million to sign the Romanian international defender in 2014.However, the 35-year-old made just 18 appearances during four injury-hit years at St Mary’s.Gardos left the Premier League to go to his homeland to join Universitatea Craiova and then retired in 2022.But he used the savings he banked from his time in the beautiful game to start a new career and he has not looked back since.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGardos told Pro Sport: “I invested in houses in the UK after I got injured for the first time.“I had money in the bank, but didn’t invest it. There was a moment when I asked myself – what if something happened and I couldn’t play any more?“A friend who still lives in England guided me. “We bought houses on the outskirts of London built in the 1930s and ’40s, rebuilt them and rented them out.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We bought them with extraordinary interest rates, 1.5 to 2.5 per cent. I had the advantage of my friend, who went out to find the properties.“He knew the market well, he knew estate agents and he had a renovation company. I learned from him.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days“Taking out a loan is not easy. Both you and the seller are required to have a lawyer, and the process of checking the documents takes a month or two.“The risk of spikes decreases, and it is a good investment.”After striking it lucky in our capital, Gardos, who won two Romanian titles with Steaua – now known as FCSB – returned back to his country and enjoyed more success.He told a podcast: “I set up a company when I returned to Craiova, and my associates advised me to start there.“We built a block with 20 apartments, and it sold very well. “We started a second one, and the world is open to us as people saw we do quality things.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I founded a second company in 2022 by myself.“I focused on building houses in my hometown Satu Mare.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Man Utd fans ‘crying’ at Raphael Varane’s emotional video explaining his exit after three years

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were “crying” after watching Raphael Varane’s emotional announcement that he would be leaving the club.United confirmed today that the defender would leave on a free transfer this summer on the expiry of his contract.Raphael Varane has announced he is leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: X formerly Twitter / @raphaelvaraneThe defender looked close to tears in his farewell videoCredit: X formerly Twitter / @raphaelvaraneThe club had the option to activate a one-year extension clause but his £350,000-a-week wages proved to be too much.Varane has made 93 appearances for the club since signing from Real Madrid three years ago.The former France international took to social media to post a heartfelt message to United fans.In a video, he says: “To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wearing that shirt.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man Utd player it was insane, the atmosphere was amazing.”I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man Utd to understand what that represents.”For my kids, it’s home here. It’s going to be a special place for me for life.”Reacting to the video, Manchester United’s official account on X wrote: “The pleasure has been all ours ❤️”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother fan wrote: “Cheers Rapha. Now crying.”A third wrote: “We love you king, thanks for the memories ❤️”GMB host Susanna Reid teases Rio Ferdinand for Man Utd’s awful defeat to Crystal PalaceVarane’s Man Utd careerBy Neil Custis

      Walking out to the centre circle ahead of the opening game of the 2021-22 season he took out his own mobile phone to capture the moment.
      This seemed to be another step under Ole Solskjaer towards getting Manchester United back to the glory days – wrong.
      It is unlikely the four time Champions League winner is going to get anything like the farewell he might have hoped for.
      The French World Cup winner has announced he will definitely be leaving in the summer.
      He posted a heartfelt thanks to the club and fans a day before their final home game of the season.
      No doubt he has done it in the hope of an emotional send off – who advises these people?
      Varane has played an average of just over 20 league games a season since his big money switch from Real Madrid while raking in around £300,000 a week.
      At no time did we see the player who had served Real Madrid so well.
      Once again the club has been used as a convenient pay day by a player who can no longer hit the heights.
      Thank you and goodbye.

      While a fourth said: “Devastated. You have been fantastic Rapha, such a special player with a special mentality. We will all miss you so, so much and thank you for everything ❤️”A fifth wrote: “We will miss you king 👑”And a fifth paid tribute by saying: “It was an honour.”Varane leaves the club having won the League Cup with Manchester United last year.He is also racing to be fit for the club’s FA Cup final against Manchester City at the end of the month.He is yet to announce his next club, although he is understood to be interested in moving to Italy or Saudi Arabia.Varane’s statement in full
      “To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wearing that shirt.
      “The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man Utd player it was insane, the atmosphere was amazing.
      “I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man Utd to understand what that represents.
      “For my kids, it’s home here. It’s going to be a special place for me for life.
      “When the fans go to Wembley it’s something they remember for life. To share that moment with them was absolutely amazing.
      “Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I’m very positive for the future.
      “The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy.
      “I’ll see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye for the last game at home this season. And it’s going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure.” More

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      Every Arsenal player set to leave this summer revealed including £5million Arsene Wenger signing and forgotten defender

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      ARSENAL are set to wave goodbye to at least three players this summer – including a long-term club servant.Mikel Arteta has been effective in clearing out the dead wood since he was named Arsenal boss.Mikel Arteta is set to axe more dead wood from his squadCredit: GettyBut there are still some players who he has been unable to find suitors for, who are now set to leave when their contracts expire this summer.One of those players is a remnant of the Arsene Wenger era – one of only three left standing alongside Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson.Arsenal are set to make a reported saving of £140,000-a-week by offloading the trio, who have had mixed experiences at The Emirates.Mohamed ElnenyElneny, 31, was signed for just £5million by Wenger in 2016, making him the longest-serving player at the club with the exception of academy graduates.READ MORE ON ARSENALHe has been a rotation option throughout his eight-year stay in North London, which included a spell on loan at Besiktas in the 2019-20 season.The Egyptian never played more than 23 league games in a single campaign but has always been a loyal squad member and never kicked up a fuss.Elneny’s importance has diminished even more in the last two years with eight Premier League appearances across the two campaigns, so it is no surprise his contract is not being renewed.Mohamed Elneny will leave after eight years at ArsenalCredit: GettyCedric SoaresCedric’s departure has also been expected for some time, and the Gunners will be pleased to free up his £75,000-a-week wages.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him.

      The 32-year-old arrived from Southampton in 2019 but has made just 64 appearances and has always ranked below Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the pecking order.Cedric spent time on loan at Fulham last season and has barely been seen this campaign.Cedric Soares’ departure has been expected for some timeCredit: ReutersKylian Mbappe will join ARSENAL and not Real Madrid, claims IShowSpeed as he slams Fabrizio Romano over transfer claimKarl HeinHein, 22, was signed as a teenager in 2018 under Unai Emery but has never got a look in.He played just once for Arsenal in a game to forget, losing 3-1 to Brighton in the Carabao Cup.Karl Hein made just one appearance for the Gunners first-teamCredit: Getty More

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      Former Arsenal star now worth £180million thanks to kebab empire signs up Backstreet Boys for huge music festival

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      ARSENAL cult hero Lukas Podolski has signed up legendary nineties boyband the Backstreet Boys to headline his new music festival in Germany.The 38-year-old created GLUCKSGEFUHLE Festival alongside Markus Krampe last year.Lukas Podolski has built up a business empireCredit: SplashThe former Arsenal star has now launched a music festivalCredit: Getty Images – GettyPodolski has signed the Backstreet Boys up to performCredit: AP:Associated PressIt quickly became Germany’s largest music festival, with 135,000 people visiting the Hockenheimring in Baden-Wurttemberg.The festival is set to return in September this year and up to 200,000 fans are expected to attend.Those in attendance will be treated to some star-studded performances from the likes of Lost Frequencies and Martin Garrix.The Backstreet Boys, famous for singing 90s hits ‘Everybody’ and ‘I Want It That Way’, have also been booked in for a set on the main stage.Read More on ArsenalGLUCKSGEFUHLE Festival is Podolski’s latest career venture outside of football.The ex-Germany international has built up his own business empire with a chain of kebab restaurants and an ice cream brand.SunSport even went to Cologne to try out the 130-cap German international’s ‘Poldi Sandwich’.The 130-cap Germany star’s business acumen has seen his net worth increase to a reported £177.5million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPodolski has also launched a sports centre and a football tournament featuring influencers, former players and fans.And he is the founder of the Lukas Podolski Foundation for Sport and Education.Former Arsenal star Lukas Podolski explodes about McDonald’s as he defends prices of his kebab chainThe organisation helps to provide opportunities for socially disadvantaged children.Podolski is still playing football at the age of 38.He currently plays for Polish side Gornik Zabrze.The forward made 93 appearances during his three-year spell with Arsenal between 2012 and 2015.Prior to then he made 106 appearances for Bayern Munich and 181 FC Koln.Podolski’s business empireLUKAS PODOLSKI is worth nearly £180million after building his own business empire.
      The former Arsenal forward’s portfolio includes a chain of kebab shops and an ice cream brand in his native Germany.
      Meanwhile, he has also launched a music festival, sports centre and a football tournament featuring influencers, former players and fans.
      Podolski previously spent three years with the Gunners, winning the FA Cup in 2014.
      Back in Germany, though, the 38-year-old has been building his own business empire.
      He first launched his dessert brand Ice Cream United in 2017, two years after leaving Arsenal.
      The business was founded in the Belgian district of Cologne, the home of Podolski’s first professional club.
      A year later, his first Mangal Doner kebab shop opened in the city and now consists of around 30 branches across Germany. More

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      Premier League permutations: All the details on title race, European spots & relegation battle as season draws to an end

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      THERE is still so much to be decided as the Premier League comes to a close on Sunday afternoon.Here is all you need to know regarding the race for the title, European spots and the relegation battle.The Premier League title race will go down to the final dayCredit: GETTYWhat do Man City need to do to win the Premier League title?Manchester City needs to win their final two games away at Tottenham and at home to West Ham to guarantee a fourth straight title.Should Arsenal lose or draw to Everton on the final day, Pep Guardiola’s side will only need to claim victory from one of their last two matches.The Premier League title could even be decided on goal difference should the two English giants end level on points.What do Arsenal need to win the Premier League title?Arsenal need to beat Everton at the Emirates on the final day and hope that Man City don’t win their two remaining matches.READ MORE IN PREMIER LEAGUEMikel Arteta’s side could even claim the trophy with a draw if City only take one point from their last two games.And the Gunners could also win the title on goal difference should the two sides end on the same points.How the Premier League title could be decided by goal difference?This season’s frantic title race could be decided on goal difference if Man City and Arsenal finish level on points.For that to happen, the Gunners must draw their last game with Everton and City draw their final two matches – or Arteta’s side lose their final game and City only take one point from the six available.Most read in FootballBoth teams could also be tied for top spot if Arsenal beat Everton and City only take four points from the last two.The Gunners currently hold a +3 goal difference to City.Who can claim a spot in Europe?Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool have all confirmed their spots in next season’s Champions League.Aston Villa and Tottenham are both still in the mix for fourth but the Villans edged closer to securing Champions League football after picking up a late point against Liverpool on Monday night.Should Spurs lose or draw to Man City on Tuesday, Villa will be in the Champions League next season.But if Tottenham win against the champions it will go down to the final day and Villa must claim at least a point to guarantee a top four finish as they have a far superior goal difference.Spurs can confirm a top-five finish if they avoid defeat against Man City on Tuesday night.If they lose to City, they could still guarantee fifth place before their final game if Newcastle and Chelsea both lose in midweek.The race for Europe will go down to the final day for both Newcastle and Chelsea even if they win on Wednesday night.However, goal difference means that should Newcastle secure all three points against Manchester United – and Chelsea lose at Brighton, it would take a minimum of a 12-goal swing on the final day for Toon to miss out on sixth.The Red Devils can claim a spot in the Europa League even if they finish eighth as they can qualify for continental football by winning the FA Cup.Should Erik ten Hag’s side lose, the Europa League football place will go to seventh position.Who will qualify for Europe as it stands?*If Man Utd win the FA CupChampions League: (1st) Arsenal, (2nd) Man City, (3rd) Liverpool, (4th) Aston VillaEuropa League: (5th) Tottenham, Man Utd (as FA Cup winners)UEFA Conference League: (6th) Newcastle*If Man City win the FA CupChampions League: (1st) Arsenal, (2nd) Man City, (3rd) Liverpool, (4th) Aston VillaEuropa League: (5th) Tottenham, (6th) NewcastleUEFA Conference League: (7th) ChelseaREAD MORE SUN STORIESWho can get relegated from the Premier League?Sheffield United and Burnley have already been officially relegated from the Premier League.Luton Town are all but down, as they will need to beat Fulham on the final day and hope Burnley beat Nottingham Forest, with a 12-goal swing required. More

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      Forgotten former England star, 32, searching for next club on LinkedIn after last playing in Spanish FIFTH division

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      EX-ENGLAND star Steven Caulker is searching for his next club on LinkedIn.The former Tottenham, QPR and Liverpool centre-back, 32, last played for Spanish fifth division side Malaga City where he was player/manager.Steven Caulker has been searching for a new club on LinkedInCredit: PAHe recently left his role as player manager as Spanish fifth division club Malaga CityBut Caulker has set his sights on finding his next job with a view to still playing but also becoming a coach.Caulker posted on the job-hunting website: “LinkedIn family, please work your magic…”I am looking for a new team ahead of the 2024/25 season. Preferable as a coach, but I am still open to playing.”Whilst I am looking for a suitable option, I am keeping myself busy with 1-2-1 coaching, mentoring and public speaking.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCaulker’s message was accompanied with a picture of the defender shaking hands with former Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson.He scored on his international debut – his one and only England appearance – in a 4-2 friendly defeat to Sweden in November 2012.Caulker, who played for several EFL clubs including Bristol City, Swansea and Southampton and also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics, later switched allegiances and played 13 times for Sierra Leone.He last played in the UK for League One Wigan when they were in the Championship in 2023.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSteven Caulker’s career so far…
      2009 – 2013: Tottenham Hotspur
      2009 – 2010: Yeovil Town (loan)
      2010 – 2011: Bristol City (loan)
      2011 – 2012: Swansea City (loan)
      2013 – 2014: Cardiff City
      2014 – 2017: QPR
      2015 – 2016: Southampton (loan)
      2016: Liverpool (loan)
      2018 : Dundee
      2019 – 2021: Alanyaspor
      2021 – 2022: Fenerbahce
      2021 – 2021: Gazientep FK (loan)
      2022 – 2023: Karagumruk
      2023: Wigan Athletic
      2023 – 2024: Malaga City (player/manager)

      But he is perhaps best known for his time in the Premier League, making 123 appearances in England’s top flight.After coming through the ranks at Spurs, Caulker enjoyed campaigns at Cardiff City and QPR before heading out on loan at both Liverpool and Southampton.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersCaulker started his professional career with TottenhamCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe later had a loan spell at LiverpoolCredit: GettyCaulker also spent some time in the Turkish first divisionCredit: GettyThe centre-back scored on his England debutCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More