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      Trent Alexander-Arnold will be forced to break from nine-year tradition at Real Madrid thanks to little-known rule

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD will not be able to wear his No66 shirt at Real Madrid due to a little-known rule.The Liverpool star’s contract expires this summer and he is ready to leave Anfield for free.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyHe will be forced to ditch his No66 shirt due to a LaLiga ruleCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold will reportedly sign a five-year deal at Real Madrid and pocket £240,000-a-week.His move to Spain sees his spell at boyhood club Liverpool come to an end and his nine years wearing the No66 is also over.That is because a LaLiga rule prevents players having kit numbers above No25, corresponding to the size of a team’s squad.Only youngsters who are not registered in the senior squad, but can still play, are allowed to wear a higher digit on their back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis future Real Madrid team-mate Raul Asencio is an exception to the rule amid a breakthrough season in the No35 shirt.The No66 has become synonymous with Alexander-Arnold after he was given it when he first started training with the first-team in 2016.It was handed to him as it was a free number and not low enough to think he was an established part of the Liverpool side.But Alexander-Arnold quickly broke into the starting XI in the unique number and has decided to keep it ever since.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile playing for England, he has donned the No2, No7, No8 and No10 shirts.Despite him seemingly leaving Liverpool on a free, the club are still set to rake in cash from Real Madrid.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe Champions League holders want to complete the signing in time for the revamped Club World Cup, which starts on June 15.Alexander-Arnold’s deal does not expire until June 30 and Real Madrid are therefore willing to pay around £5million to break the contract early so he can join his new team in the US for the tournament. More

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      ‘You’re the worst f***ing signing I’ve ever made’, said ruthless manager to new player and wanted to ‘give him back’

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      STEVE CLARIDGE has revealed how “merciless” Barry Fry begged to send a Birmingham star back to his former club – after just one game. Journeyman forward Claridge, 57, played for over 25 clubs over his long and illustrious career.Steve Claridge has revealed Barry Fry’s epic rant about Birmingham striker Kevin FrancisCredit: X @UndrTheCoshThe former Posh chairman managed Birmingham between 1993 and 1996Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdFrancis was the target of a Fry meltdown after a poor display early in his Brum careerCredit: GettyHe joined Birmingham in 1994 after impressing for Cambridge United. The Blues were managed by the outspoken Fry, who would later become Peterborough United’s chairman-manager. Birmingham had been relegated to Division Two under Fry the previous season. And Claridge arrived alongside a host of new faces, including 6ft 7in striker Kevin Francis.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut in an early season away game, Francis had a stinker – and Fry let rip in the dressing room.Speaking to the UndrTheCosh podcast, Claridge said: “With Baz, if you weren’t strong, you were done.”[After the loss] he said to Francis ‘You are the f*cking worst signing, I have ever made.'”Bearing in mind, we signed 54 players that season.”Most read in FootballClaridge continued: “We paid £800,000 for Kev. [Fry] was raging ‘Is there anything left on this transfer? What do we have to pay?'”‘Give this f***er back. I can’t have him here, he’s the worst f***ing player I’ve ever seen.”EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex Claridge went on to reveal what he said to Francis when Fry’s rant was finally over.He laughed: “I told him ‘I think he quite likes you, mate! I’ve heard far worse’.”Francis – who for a time was the tallest player in the EFL – found his shooting boots after Fry’s meltdown. The striker went on to net 21 goals in 94 games for the Blues, helping them win the Division Two title. He would later go on to play for Hull City, Exeter and Stockport County.Fry also helped Blues lift the Football League Trophy alongside promotion back to Division One, now the Championship. The 79-year-old guided Birmingham to the semi-finals of the League Cup a year later, but was sacked after finishing 15th. More

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      Everton’s new 53,000-capacity stadium selected to host historic tournament in middle of Premier League season

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      EVERTON’S new 53,000-seater stadium has been selected to host a historic tournament in the middle of the Premier League season.The Toffees will leave Goodison Park and move into their new home this summer.Everton’s new stadium will play host to a historic tournament next seasonCredit: GettyThe Toffees move into the 53,000-seater arena this summerCredit: GettyThe Everton Stadium is based at the scenic Bramley-Moore Docks.The bumper new arena will allow even more Everton fans to enjoy David Moyes’ football.And some lucky supporters have already been treated to several ‘test’ outings at their new home ground.However, the Everton Stadium will not just host the Toffees’ football matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has now been confirmed that it will play host to a major tournament game during the middle of the next campaign.Everton announced that the Second Test of the Rugby League Ashes will take place at their new stadium on November 1.The historic competition between England and Australia has not taken place in 22 years.But it will finally return in a blockbuster three-series event.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe first match takes place on October 25 at Wembley Stadium.Everton then host the Second Test a week later.Former Everton manager Sean Dyche lands new job two months after Toffees sacking The opening match of the Rugby League Ashes takes place at Wembley StadiumCredit: GettyIt then heads to Everton before ending at Leeds’ Headingley StadiumCredit: PAAnd on November 8, the Third Test will take place at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.Everton’s interim CEO Colin Chong said: “We are delighted to welcome the Rugby League Ashes series to Everton Stadium this autumn.“As well as being home to Everton, our new stadium was built to also host world-class sporting and entertainment events. “Securing an international fixture of this magnitude demonstrates Everton Stadium’s status as one of the UK’s leading venues.“The rivalry between England and Australia in rugby league has a rich history, and we are excited to welcome fans of the sport to our city and our stadium which will offer an unforgettable experience in a state-of-the-art setting on the banks of the River Mersey.” More

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      Bastian Schweinsteiger went from zero to hero while getting jeered by own fans after Trent Alexander-Arnold-style saga

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      BAYERN MUNICH legend Bastian Schweinsteiger faced a saga similar to that of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2011.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid in June when his Anfield contract expires and is expected to sign a five-year deal worth in excess of £220,000 per week.Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly agreed to join Real MadridCredit: PABayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger faced a similar predicament as Alexander-ArnoldSchweinsteiger was linked with an exit but he ultimately signed a new contract with BayernThis comes after months of intense speculation regarding the full-back’s future that even led to a section of the Reds’ faithful booing him at times, claiming his mind was focused on Real.Schweinsteiger, 40, faced the same problem 14 years ago when his Bayern contract was coming to an end.Just like Alexander-Arnold, he also came out of his esteemed club’s academy and was adored by fans as one of their own.The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and – funnily enough – Real all tried to take advantage of the situation and lure the then Germany international.Read More on FootballAnd after a 3-0 victory over St Pauli on January 2, 2011, the German took the microphone from the stadium announcer to speak to the live crowd at the Allianz Arena.Schweinsteiger was met with a chorus of boos from the Bayern faithful, who thought he was about to announce his imminent departure.However, the crowd was swerved as the fan favourite instead confirmed he had signed a new contract.Schweinsteiger said: “I’ve been playing here at FC Bayern Munich for 12 years now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And I wanted to tell you, I have extended my contract and will stay at FC Bayern until 2016. Long live Bayern!”Schweinsteiger spent another four years with Bayern where he amassed a total of 500 appearances and won every title available until his departure for Man Utd.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports It’s not too late for Alexander-Arnold – who could become the seventh Englishman to play at the Bernabeu – to deliver a similar swerve to Liverpool fans as nothing has been finalised yet.However, the latest reports indicate that the Enland international is closer to an exit than he is to a new contract with Arne Slot’s side.Liverpool are also at risk of losing Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk at the end of the season as their deals also run out in three months. More

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      Former Premier League manager Aidy Boothroyd, 54, reveals secret battle with Parkinson’s in emotional video message

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      FORMER Premier League boss Aidy Boothroyd has opened up on his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s.Boothroyd, 54, released an emotional video and statement through the League Managers Association, revealing he has quietly been battling the disease for three years.Aidy Boothroyd has revealed that he is battling Parkinson’sCredit: GettyBoothroyd discussed his diagnosis in an emotional videoCredit: LMAA statement read: “Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.“The news came as a massive shock to me, following what I expected to be my routine LMA Annual Health Assessment.“It has taken me time to feel ready to share my diagnosis, and I have found it difficult not being completely open with people.“Personally, my passion and love for coaching is as strong as ever, I am focusing on keeping physically fit, which is key to slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I am ready to start the next chapter in my life. I would like to thank the LMA and Parkinson’s UK for their support.”Boothroyd, who previously spent five years as head coach of the England U21 side, revealed that he was diagnosed in November 2021.And the retired defender recalled the shock of finding out that he has Parkinson’s.He said: “I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t really know what Parkinson’s was. I was in a position where I just kept thinking about my kids. I just wasn’t sure what was next.Most read in FootballBoothroyd managed England at U19, U20 and U21 levelCredit: PA:Empics SportAidy Boothroyd’s careerA brief look into the coaching career of Aidy Boothroyd…1. WatfordDates Managed: March 2005 – November 2008Games Played: 184Games Won: 75Boothroyd took over Watford in March 2005 and led them to promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs in 2006. However, they were relegated after one season in the top flight. He left the club in November 2008.2. Colchester UnitedDates Managed: September 2009 – May 2010Games Played: 46Games Won: 14Boothroyd joined Colchester United in League One and managed them for less than a season. He left the club in May 2010 to take over at Coventry City.3. Coventry CityDates Managed: June 2010 – March 2011Games Played: 38Games Won: 10Boothroyd managed Coventry City in the Championship but was let go in March 2011.4. Northampton TownDates Managed: November 2011 – January 2014Games Played: 106Games Won: 38Boothroyd took charge of Northampton Town in League Two. He led them to the play-off final in the 2012–13 season.5. England U20sDates Managed: February 2015 – August 2016Games Played: 19Games Won: 8Boothroyd transitioned to international management with the England U20 team, working with young talent but achieving mixed results during his tenure.6. England U21sDates Managed: September 2016 – June 2021Games Played: 56Games Won: 34Boothroyd became manager of England’s U21 team, guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. However, his tenure ended in 2021 after poor performances in the 2021 tournament.7. Jamshedpur FCDates Managed: July 2022 – May 2022Games played: 24Games Won: 8Boothroyd left England to try his hand at management in the Indian top flight. He has since described it as “a brilliant experience and one that I’d recommend anybody to do”.Summary of Managerial Career Stats:Total Games Played: 449Total Games Won: 179″I was shocked. I was dumbstruck, really. I’ve kept very quiet about it. I wanted to do it.”Boothroyd explained how the disease has caused “facial masking”, a medical sign of Parkinson’s where sufferers are left with a reduced degree of facial expressions as facial muscles become stiff or less responsive.Tuchel will resist the temptation to make sweeping changes for England’s World Cup qualifier against LatviaHe added: “Probably the biggest one that I’ve noticed the most is facial masking. Facial masking is when the dopamine in the brain can’t always get to the body, particularly in the facial muscles. “My face could be, in my opinion, outwardly smiling, but actually it’s not doing that at all.”I’m absolutely convinced that this facial masking that I’ve had, if I’m going for an interview, people will then ask me questions. I’ve had people say to me, ‘are you alright? Is everything okay? You’re not your normal self.’ “I’ve had so many people say, you’re not your normal self. You’re a bit quiet, which is all part of the Parkinson’s. Nothing could be further from the truth.”I’m enthusiastic. I’m excited. I still enjoy the job and working with people. But that was a tough one to take.”The Bradford-born coach even opened up on how hard it has been to carry the burden of knowing his diagnosis without sharing it with so many people.He explained: “To be honest, it’s been a burden. It’s taken me three years to come to this position. “As I said earlier, I’ve got a lot of well wishes, a lot of people that are friends of mine that ask, ‘are you feeling okay Aidy?’Everything you need to know about Parkinson’sParkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition, meaning that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. It affects around 153,000 people in the UK. People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working. This can cause a range of more than 40 symptoms, but the three main ones are:Tremor (shaking)Slow movementRigidity (muscle stiffness)Other common signs include:Mild memory and thinking problemsTrouble sleepingIssues with balance PainAnxiety and depression Shuffling walk with very small steps Difficulty making facial expressions Loss of sense of smell Problems peeing Constipation The four main ways of managing Parkinson’s include medication, staying active, exploring occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech and language therapy, and monitoring symptoms. Source: Parkinson’s UK and NHS”And having to carry that around with you, it’s tough. And it is a bit like my life’s been on hold. For all of us really, for my family, for my kids, people have just wanted to be helpful, and that’s great.”I don’t want to wallow, I don’t want pity. What I want is to get back on the pitch, or wherever it is I end up doing, whatever it is that I do. But I won’t let this define me.”I’ll continue, I’ll keep fit, I’ll do what I’ve got to do in the gym, and hopefully I can get a job with a purpose. “But for now, it’s about getting this off my chest, and see if I can help and bring awareness to more people about this condition.”LMA CEO Richard Bevan praised Boothroyd for displaying “incredible positivity, resolve and determination” since his diagnosis.Boothroyd has been without a managerial role since leaving Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC in 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis coaching career has seen him hold roles with Watford, Colchester, Coventry and Northampton Town – managing in every professional league in England.While his time with the FA saw him manage the Young Lions across U19, U20 and U21 levels.Boothroyd achieved promotion to the Premier League as Watford bossCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Premier League referee salaries revealed as officials are controversially blocked from boosting earnings abroad

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referees’ huge pay packets have been revealed – and show they are among the country’s top earners. Their salaries appear to reflect their growing status in the game and the increasing pressure they are under every week as billions watch worldwide.The salaries of Premier League referees has been revealedCredit: RexFigures provided by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb in a meeting of the 72 EFL clubs revealed what kind of money the Prem’s officials are pocketing, as reported by The Times.They showed that the average salary for a Premier League referee it between £170,000 and £180,000.While the top referees are earning around £250,000 per year.Officials are paid their salary at a base rate, which is then boosted by performance bonuses and match fees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat base rate ranges between £72,000 and £148,000, and varies according to experience and seniority in the role.Senior officials, such as Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver, are likely to earn around £250,000 a year from their Premier League roles.While less-experienced refs, identified in ‘Select Group 1′, will earn closer to £125,000.When pension and national insurance contributions are factored in, it’s understood that the PGMOL averaged a total cost of £240,000 per referee. Most read in FootballBy comparison, the average salary for pilots and air traffic controllers is significantly less at £91,208.Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb revealed the figures in a meeting of the 72 EFL clubsCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLyon manager Paulo Fonseca faces SEVEN-MATCH ban after squaring up to referee in incredible meltdownWhile chief executives (£81,328) , IT directors (£81,588) and specialist medical practitioners’ (£73,320) salaries are all dwarfed by the officials’ pay packets too.However, top city workers such as those in finance, insurance and lawyers can earn far more than the Prem’s referees.Officials can boost their earnings outside the Premier League too, with many of the top referees chosen to take charge of Uefa sanctioned games in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.While they can also officiate at Fifa-run events like the Club World Cup and the World Cup proper.A report last year claimed that referees in the Champions League are paid between £5,300 and £9,000 per game.And major tournaments like the World Cup have been reported to earn officials between £38,700 and £54,000 – before match bonuses are added.Outside of those organisations, Premier League officials will find it difficult to boost their incomes.That’s because the PGMOL have now effectively prevented officials from taking charge of matches in the Gulf states.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe decision came last year, after Michael Oliver, Darren England and Dan Cook officiated a match in the United Arab Emirates less than 48 hours before a shocking VAR mistake in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur last season.Concerns were voiced around how that looked for the Premier League given Manchester City’s United Arab Emirates ownership, and Newcastle United’s links to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.Officials failed to realise that Luis Diaz was onside during a clash between Liverpool and Tottenham last season More

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      Goalkeeper completely forgets where he is as Estonia score World Cup qualifying’s strangest goal

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      MOLDOVA goalkeeper Andriy Kozhukhar may have committed the biggest blunder of the season during the international break.The Moldovan national team hosted Estonia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday at the Zimbru Stadium.Moldova goalkeeper Andriy Kozhukhar committed a massive blunder against EstoniaEstonia scored from a corner-kick after a header by Rauno SappinenThe ball went straight into Moldova keeper Kozhukhar’s arms, but there was a problemKozhukhar was standing behind his goal line and caused Estonia’s second goalThe hosts trailed 1-0 following Rasmus Peetson’s opener after just 19 minutes.That was after Moldova lost Maxim Cojocaru to a straight red card just five minutes into the match.And things got even worse for Serghei Clescenco’s side on the half-hour mark.Estonia got a corner-kick down the right and Kevor Palumets delivered a pinpoint cross into the box.Read More on FootballPalumets found Rauno Sappinen, whose header caught a tiny deflection off Oleg Reabciuk.The ball went straight into Kozhukhar’s arms, but there was a serious problem.The keeper apparently forgot where he was as he was standing BEHIND his goal line.The linesman quickly noticed the Veres Rivne ace’s unbelievable error and raised his flag.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe referee also spotted that gaffe and immediately awarded Estonia their second goal of the night.Moldova went on to put up a fight but couldn’t save Kozhukhar’s blushes.Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia Estonia won the match 3-2 but also lost Palumets to a second yellow card on 48 minutes. More

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      Argentina HUMILIATE Brazil 4-1 with Emi Martinez even doing keepy ups in his own box in fiery World Cup qualifier

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      EMI MARTINEZ did keepy ups in his own box as Argentina thrashed Brazil 4-1 last night.The fierce rivals met in a World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires with bragging rights very much up for grabs.Emi Martinez performs keepy ups in his own box during the matchCredit: GettyArgentina stars celebrate their dominant victoryCredit: GettyTempers flared during and after the feisty matchCredit: GettyBrazil star Raphinha stoked tensions before the game by saying “f*** them” of his side’s rivals before adding: “We will beat them, no doubt.”The home side took the lead within five minutes, however, with Julian Alvarez squirming through two defenders before prodding the ball home.Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez made it 2-0 on 12 minutes, sneaking in at the back post to score following a neat move.Brazil got back into the contest in the 26th minute when Matheus Cunha caught Tottenham defender Cristian Romero dawdling on the ball, the Wolves forward pickpocketing his opponent before slotting beyond Martinez.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlexis Mac Allister restored Argentina’s two-goal advantage before the break, the Liverpool star beating Brazil goalkeeper Bento to the ball to score.Tempers flared just moments later, with Nicolas Otamendi telling Raphinha to “talk less” as players shoved each other – and Vinicius Jr seemingly gesturing that he’s won two Champions Leagues.Fans also made X-rated chants directed at Barcelona winger Raphinha.Twenty minutes from time, Diego Simeone’s son Giuliano got in on the act by rifling the ball in from a tight angle.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKEnzo Fernandez celebrates his goalCredit: APMartinez, 32, had Argentine colours dyed in his hairCredit: GettyWith Brazil consigned to defeat late on Martinez, who had the Argentine colours dyed into his hair, playfully performed keepy ups in his own box.As Raphinha left the pitch at the end of the game he was bumped by Martinez, with Romero playing peacekeeper as his opponent looked to confront the goalkeeper.Argentina players celebrate humiliating rivals Brazil in World Cup qualifier The reigning world champions trounced Brazil without talisman Lionel Messi.And after the match, Alvarez cheekily claimed: “Maybe with Leo Messi on the pitch we might have scored two or three more goals.”Brazil defender Marquinhos admitted that the match had been “embarrassing”.The PSG stalwart told Brazilian TV: “What we did here today can’t happen again.”It’s hard to talk about it in the heat of the moment… It’s embarrassing.”We started the game very badly, far below what we could do and they’re on a great run of confidence. They knew how to play smart … I’m sorry for our fans.”Brazil have won just seven out of 16 matches under boss Dorival Jr.But Marquinhos refused to blame his under-fire coach.’WE HAVE TO SHARE THE BLAME’The 30-year-old added: “It’s not just the coach’s fault… It’s the players’ fault too.”There’s no secret formula in football where you make a choice and it works out. We can all do better. We have to share the blame.”It’s about understanding the moment and being humble.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArgentina have already qualified for next year’s World Cup with four matches to spare.Brazil, meanwhile, still have work to do – sitting six points above seventh-placed Venezuela with 12 left to play for.Raphinha found himself in the thick of the actionCredit: APThe Barcelona winger’s pre-match comments did not go unnoticedCredit: AP More