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      William Saliba ‘really happy’ at Arsenal but admits he must win silverware to be considered world’s best defender

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      WILLIAM SALIBA says he is “really happy” at Arsenal amid interest from Real Madrid – and wants to cement his North London legacy with trophies.However, the Gunners defender insists there is “no rush” to begin contract negotiations, despite his Emirates deal expiring in June 2027.William Saliba admits this season has not gone to planCredit: GettyThe Arsenal defender is gunning for glory in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettySaliba, 23, has become one of the most talented centre backs in Europe since breaking into Mikel Arteta’s side, making his Prem debut in August 2022.Meanwhile, Spanish giants Madrid are monitoring from afar, hoping to lure the Frenchman away over the next few transfer windows with his contract running down.But ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 clash with PSV, Saliba said: “I’m really happy here. I’ve been here for two years and a half as well.”There is nothing [to discuss]. I’m happy and I want to continue here.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe French defender signed a four-year deal in July 2023. That contract did not include an option to extend by a further 12 months, but crucially did not include a release clause either.On if there have been talks over extending his contract, Saliba added: “Not yet, because we have some years [to go]. There is no rush at the minute. I’m happy here. That’s it.”Saliba joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019 for £27m before being sent out on three loan spells – at former club St Etienne, OGC Nice and Marseille.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHis move was powered by his aspirations of lifting major silverware and becoming the best defender in the world. So far, neither of those dreams have come true.In Europe this term, Arsenal have conceded just four goals in nine games, and have the best defence in the Prem with just 24 goals conceded – three less than Liverpool. Mikel Arteta walks out of Sky Sports interview moments after Arsenal lose further ground in Premier League title raceYet Saliba admits his performances have been below par, in comparison to his idol Sergio Ramos, Liverpool’s “unbelievable” Virgil van Dijk and his own defensive partner Gabriel.Saliba continued: “This season I have not been so good. I have to work on my game.”I have to focus on myself and work more on my concentration, I have to score more and help my team more to win trophies. I have to push, to demand more of myself.”I have to watch my partner, Gabriel, who has been so, so good this season. There are a few [defenders better]. Van Dijk is unbelievable.”I want to one day be the best defender in the world. When you win trophies, you can say you’re the best.”The Champions League dream is still alive this campaign, heading into tonight’s Emirates second leg with a 7-1 lead from last week’s trip to Eindhoven.Arsenal ratings vs Man Utd as Rice runs Gunners midfield but wonderkid Nwaneri falls below high standardsDECLAN RICE rescued a point for Arsenal after David Raya failed to stop a Bruno Fernandes freekick.Fernandes’ set piece was followed by a brilliant Rice strike in the second half, leaving the sides with a point apiece.After a quiet first half, both sides woke up and provided more going forward after the break but lacked quality in the final third.Raya’s display in the second half more than made up for his earlier error and, alongside Rice, kept his side in the game.Coming off the back of a riotous 7-1 victory over PSV, Arsenal reverted to their goal scoring woes and proved once again that they desperately need a striker.But, who was on the mark for the Gunners?Can Mikel Arteta push for the title without an out-and-out striker?And did anyone shine off the bench for Arteta’s side?Here, SunSport’s Conor Jones delivers his Arsenal player ratings against Manchester United…A quarter final spot awaits early next month, against one of Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid – having been knocked out at the same stage last year against Bayern Munich.But Arteta’s men are on course for a third-straight Prem campaign in second place, currently 15 points adrift of Arne Slot’s runaway Liverpool with 10 games remaining.Saliba said: “This season we don’t deserve to be top [of the Prem].“If Liverpool are first it is because they did something we didn’t do. They are so good as well. Of course there’s a big gap but we have to keep going.“I want to win big things with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything the fans will forget about you.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We are very close. We don’t stop working. When you are close like this, when you don’t win trophies, it’s sad but we have to keep going.“I’m really sure that we will arrive there. If we don’t believe or if we don’t dream to win the Champions League there is no point to play.” More

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      Maradona ‘house of horrors’ REVEALED in first day of homicide trial as pic of late star’s bloated body shocks court

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      FOOTBALL legend Diego Maradona spent his last days in a “house of horror”, a prosecutor claimed during a trial over the sporting icon’s death in Argentina.The World Cup winner’s home care was “reckless and deficient”, according to chief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari as he described the seven defendants on trial.A trial over the icon’s death involved the chief prosecutor showing the court a very graphic image of the footballerCredit: Canal CBAArgentina’s legendary attacking midfielder Diego Maradona died in November, 2020Credit: AFPDoctor Leopoldo Luque (C) during the trial for the death of Diego MaradonaCredit: APPsychologist Carlos Angel Diaz (C-R) during the trial at the San Isidro courtCredit: AFPThe defendants – who were called a bunch of “people who improvised” – are charged with homicide and face up to 25 years in jail if convicted.Mr Ferrari told a Buenos Aires court that the carers were “absolutely indifferent” to the consequences of poor care provided to Maradona, delivering a hard hitting speech at the start of the trial. The prosecutor said: “You will see during this trial what reckless home care is, reckless, deficient, without precedent, without any type of control during the period that ended with Diego’s death.“They co-operated in putting into place a series of factors or circumstances that increased the permitted risk to generate the death of Diego Armando Maradona which is something we say they were absolutely different to.”READ MORE SPORTS NEWSThe prosecutor shocked the room by holding up a grim picture of the player’s last day, which showed the Argentinian icon lying on his back with his bloated stomach exposed under a lifted-up black T-shirt.“This is the way he died,” Ferrari told the court.Over 100 witnesses are set to give evidence in this trial, which will focus on the care he received at a house in Tigre when he died from heart failure in November 2020.Just before he died in 2020, he had returned to the house from a blood clot operation at a hospital.Most read in FootballAlthough the icon struggled with obesity, alcoholism and drug abuse, 20 medical experts stated in 2021 that his death could have been avoided with better treatment.Maradona’s doctor Leopoldo Luque, and his physiatrist Aguestina Cosachov, who were responsible for the footballer’s last days, are due to get in the dock.Former lover Veronica Ojeda, who is also the mother of his 12-year-old son, Dieguito, and his two grown-up daughters Dalma and Gianinna with his ex-wife Claudia Villafane, all attended the court session.When the haunting last image of Maradona was shown to the court, Dalma broke down in tears.Mardona’s former partner Veronica Ojeda arrives at the courthouseCredit: GettyThe star’s daughter Jana Maradona, arrives at courtCredit: ReutersHis medical team face up to 25 years in prison if convictedCredit: AFPMr Ferrari said: “The right to truth is a human right and today Diego Armando Maradona, his children, his relatives, those closest to him and the Argentinian people deserve justice.He added that the public prosecution’s “solid” case was supported by messages from phones seized during property raids as well as witness evidence including the testimony of a number of medical experts.He continued: “We will show that between November 11 and 25 2020, Diego Armando Maradona was introduced into house 45 in the San Barrio neighbourhood in San Benavides in Tigre when, clearly the victim, he was not in full use of his mental faculties and even less could decide on his own about his health.“He entered that place for a clinical rehabilitation and home medical care that we can say without any doubt was calamitous.He said the defendants “improvised” and that they “neglected all the duties they had”.”In that House of Horror where Diego Maradona died  no-one did what they had to do,” Mr Ferrari added.Before the hearing, his former partner Veronica Ojeda launched into an furious tirade at Agustina Cosachov.She was caught on camera from a distance shouting “Daughter of a b**ch”, before police stepped in to separate them.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe other defendants aside from Luque and Cosachov are nurses Ricardo Almiron; Nancy Forlini and Mariano Perroni: psychologist Carlos Diaz and doctor Pedro Di Spagno.An eighth person, nurse Gisella Dahiana Madrid, will be tried separately later this year.The World Cup winner was a club manager as well as a playerCredit: Reuters More

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      Where Man Utd’s incredible 100,000 stadium will rank among world’s biggest as ambitious plans revealed

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      MAN UTD have confirmed plans to build a stunning 100,000 seater stadium near Old Trafford.The vision, billed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the ‘Wembley of the North’, will cost a staggering £2billion to create.Man Utd have confirmed plans for a new 100,000 seater stadiumCredit: APThe cost of the project is said to be estimated at £2bnPlans are in place for the stadium to be ready to open in five yearsCredit: PAUnited have ambitiously proposed that it will be completed within five years.While, the struggling club will fund the ground itself, while the UK government will help support the regeneration of the Trafford Park area around the stadium.United’s planned stadium would become the largest in the UK – overtaking Wembley, which has a capacity of 90,000.However, how does it compare to football stadia around the world? SunSport does the number crunching to tell you the biggest around the globe.Read more Man Utd news10. Estadio Azteca, 90,000Found in Mexico City, the Azteca is the home of Club America and the Mexico national team.It is the largest stadium in Latin America and sits at an altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level.Steeped in history, it has hosted two World Cup finals – one won by Pele, another by Diego Maradona.It also hosted the infamous England vs Argentina 1986 World Cup match, where Maradona scored the ‘Hand of Goal’, as well as the ‘Goal of the Century.’Most read in FootballIt is currently under renovation to expand its seating from 87,523 ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium 9. Wembley Stadium, 90,652The home of football, Wembley is English football’s mecca.The national team plays there, the cup finals and playoffs feature, while Oasis will be playing seven sold-out concerts from the summer.It is currently the largest stadium in the UK, and second biggest in Europe.The stadium was built by Australian firm Multiplex at a cost of £798 million – opening its gates in 2007.Fun fact; it has the largest roof-covered seating capacity in the world.Wembley Stadium is currently the largest stadium in the UKCredit: AFPWembley re-opened in 2007 at a cost of £798mCredit: PA8. King Salman International Stadium, 92,000In its infant stages, the King Salman International Stadium is proposed to be the biggest stadium in Saudi Arabia.It will play host to the 2034 World Cup final, set to take place inside the amazing Riyadh venue.Designed by architecture studio Populous, it will have a capacity for 92,000 spectators.Populous revealed: “The stadium will blend into its surrounding topography, with terrain and natural habitat forming part of the stadium’s roof.”Aside from its aesthetic appeal, this design will provide effective shading and ventilation tailored to the desert climate.”The proposed King Salman International Stadium will host the 2034 World Cup finalCredit: AFP7. Lusail Stadium, 92,349Construction began on Qatar’s Lusail Stadium in 2017, and it hosted only three friendlies before it opened for matches at the 2022 World Cup.It is cooled using solar power and is claimed to have zero carbon footprint.However, there are plans for the stadium to be reconfigured into a 40,000-seat stadium.Excess seating will be removed and other parts of the building repurposed as a community space with shops, cafés, athletic and education facilities, and a health clinic.Qatar’s Lusail Stadium in Doha has future plans to shrink its capacityCredit: Getty6. FNB Stadium, 94,736Nicknamed the Calabash, it is the home of football and rugby union.The South Africa nationals teams of both sports use it, while the South African first division team Kaizer Chiefs also play there.Incredibly, the Chiefs hold the record attendance, which is over the current capacity, of 94,807 for a match against the Orlando Pirates. Again, it’s a venue that’s steeped in history.It was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990, and served as the venue for a memorial service to him on 10 December 2013.The stunning FNB Stadium is the sporting showpiece of Johannesburg, South AfricaCredit: GettyFamously, Nelson Mandela memorial service was held at the stadiumCredit: Gettyread more sport features5. Misr Stadium, 96,940The Misr Stadium is Egypt’s entry into proceedings.It is part of the Egypt International Olympic City, a large sports complex that has been under construction since 2015.It will have a training ground, two indoor halls (one of them a 15,000-capacity arena), an Olympic-size swimming pool, and other buildings.That’s being built with an eye toward the country’s possible bids for the Olympic Games or the World Cup.Egypt’s Misr Stadium holds close to 97,000 fansCredit: Getty4. Man Utd’s new stadium, 100,000Set to be created by architects at Foster and Partners, the stadium would feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza that is “twice the size of Trafalgar Square”.Three giant towers, inspired by the Red Devils’ trident, will dominate the skyline and hold up the “umbrella” – a sweeping glass and steel canopy above that will keep fans dry inside and outside what would be Britain’s biggest stadium.Their own, tree-lined version of Wembley Way would stretch from beyond the current Holy Trinity statue, to well inside the existing Old Trafford with land currently used for a car park and freight terminal behind the Stretford End coming in to play.Architects Foster and Partners have devised what United’s new ground will look likeThe stadium will boast a public plaza twice the size of Trafalgar SquareThe vision for the stadium has been called the ‘Wembley of the North’3. Camp Nou, 105,000Barcelona are currently reconstructing the Camp Nou to make it the biggest stadium in Europe.They have invested a staggering £1.25billion into the project which will see the capacity rise to 105,000.It was due to be completed in time for the club’s 125th anniversary last November.There has been a fresh delay, though, according to Spanish sports news site Relevo, who report the earliest return is now slated to be October 2025.While the report adds the stadium’s roof will not be installed until summer of 2026.Barcelona’s Camp Nou will have the largest roof in Europe with their stadium rebuildCredit: FC BarcelonaThe redeveloped Camp Nou won’t be finished until 2026Credit: FC Barcelona2. Hassan II Stadium, 115,000Projected to be completed in 2028, Morocco’s Hassan II Stadium will be the biggest stadium in Africa.It is named after the late King Hassan II, who ruled from 1961 to 1999.The proposed Hassan II Stadium was used as a bargaining chip, when Morocco had aspirations of hosting the 2010 World Cup, then 2026 World Cup.They lost both bids, but will now share the tournament with Spain and Portugal in 2030.Estimated costs are around £400million, which seems pretty cheap for now, but will surely rise.The Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco will house a capacity of 115,000Credit: PopulousCosts are estimated at around £400mCredit: Populous1. The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, 150,000The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea is the biggest in the world.Officially, it can hold up to maximum of 113,281 spectators.After a 2014 remodel which included the replacement of some bench seating with individual seats, observers estimated the capacity to be lower than its original build.Still, in 2022 it was confirmed, if they so wish, The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is still expandable to housing 150,000 fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt first opened in 1989, currently used for football matches, a few athletics events, and most often for the mass games of the Arirang Festival.North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un held a 2022 New Year’s Eve party on the grounds there, while he has also delivered political speeches there too.The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea is officially the biggest stadium in the worldCredit: AlamyAstonishingly, it can expand its capacity to a whopping 150,000 spectatorsCredit: Getty More

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      ‘How unrealistic can you get?’ – Fans spot wildly optimistic feature in hidden detail of Man Utd stadium plans

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed an “unrealistic” feature in their new 100,000-seater stadium plans.The Red Devils unveiled stunning images of the £2billion “Wembley of North” that will replace Old Trafford.Man Utd have announced stunning plans to build a 100,000-seater stadiumCredit: PAFans have called the score ‘unrealistic’Credit: PAIncredible images show the ‘umbrella’ designCredit: PAThe new stadium could cost £2billion to constructCredit: PAUnited ambitiously want to have the stadium ready in five yearsCredit: PAUnited’s new home will feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza that is “twice the size of Trafalgar Square”.Architects at Foster and Partners also confirmed that there will be three towers to hold up the “umbrella” – with a sweeping glass and steel canopy acting as a roof for fans inside and outside the ground.United have ambitiously predicted that the stadium will be finished within five years.But fans have taken a sceptical view of a small feature seen in the computer generated images released today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAbove the stands is a huge wraparound scoreboard that reads that United are 3-0 up.Fans were not convinced the scoreline would ever be true given the club are currently in the midst of a disastrous season, sitting 14th in the Premier League table.One hilariously commented: “The most audacious thing from this new stadium project is the fact they’re assuming we’ll be 3-0 up at home.”Another added: “How unrealistic can you get Man Utd haven’t been 3-0 up since Fergie retired.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThere will be a vast fan zone with shops, restaurant and bars underneath the ‘umbrella panels’Credit: PAThe government have backed the regenerationCredit: PAThe eye-catching stadium plans are part of a wider government-backed regeneration of the Trafford Park area.There will be a Wembley Way-like path up to the stadium that includes plans for a three-storey museum and canal-side shops and restaurants to all be part of a huge fan park.Sir Jim Ratcliffe launches scathing attack on struggling Man Utd squad saying some ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’Approximately 17,000 homes are set to be built and the area will become a major hub of activity, creating 92,000 jobs.Architect Lord Foster said: “The stadium is contained by a vast umbrella, harvesting energy and rainwater, and sheltering a new public plaza that is twice the size of Trafalgar Square.”The outward-looking stadium will be the beating heart of a new sustainable district, which is completely walkable, served by public transport, and endowed by nature. “It is a mixed-use miniature city of the future – driving a new wave of growth and creating a global destination that Mancunians can be proud of.”For the designs to come to life, the current Old Trafford will be knocked down.The decision to demolish the club’s spiritual home has been made by the Regeneration Task Force chaired by Lord Coe and including legend Gary Neville and mayor Andy Burnham.United are currently in £1billion worth of debt and it is unclear how they plan on paying for the new stadium.The area’s modernisation could create over 90,000 jobsCredit: PA17,000 homes are predicted to be builtCredit: PAA three-story museum is set be added to the parkCredit: PA More

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      Diego Maradona homicide trial BEGINS as late football icon’s medical team accused of fatal negligence over 2021 death

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      DIEGO Maradona’s medical team could face 25 years in prison as the football legends homicide trial starts today in Buenos Aires.The Argentinian star died after suffering a heart attack at his home in 2020 while recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot.Diego Maradona’s homicide trial has started todayCredit: ReutersDoctor Leopoldo Luque (C) during the trial for the death of Diego MaradonaCredit: APPsychologist Carlos Angel Diaz (C-R) during the trial at the San Isidro courtCredit: AFPEight members of the World Cup winner’s medical team have been accused of negligence that contributed to his death at 60 years old.Each defendant has denied wrongdoing but risks between eight and 25 years in prison if convicted of “homicide with possible intent”.His neurologist Leopoldo Luque, who performed the surgery, is one of the seven people facing trial.Psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, psychologist Carlos Diaz, doctor Nancy Forlini, clinical physician Pedro Pablo Di Spagna, and nurses Mariano Perroni and Ricardo Almiron, will also appear in court.read more on maradonaThe day nurse Gisela Dahiana Madrid, who found Maradona dead just two weeks after his surgery, has asked to be tried by jury separately.More than 100 witnesses, including members of Maradona’s family and his doctors over the years, are expected to take the stand in the long-delayed trial in the Buenos Aires suburb of San Isidro.Although the icon struggled with obesity, alcoholism and drug abuse, 20 medical experts stated in 2021 that his death could have been avoided with better treatment.Prosecutors have accused the medical team of pushing for Maradona to receive home care, which proved “reckless” and “totally deficient.”Most read in FootballThe night nurse said he had seen “warning signs” but had received orders “not to wake” Maradona.Prosecutors allege the footballer was abandoned to his fate for a “prolonged, agonizing period” before his death.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death The football legends’ family claimed that leaked audio and text messages show that the star’s health was in imminent danger, said Mario Baudry, a lawyer for Maradona’s son Dieguito.He said the messages showed the medical team’s strategy was to try and ensure that Diego’s daughters did not intervene “because if they did, they (the medical staff) would lose their money.”The expert 2021 report that ignited this trial questioned why the football legend was released from hospital so soon after his surgery, saying: “The home confinement did not comply with norms and protocols.”The rented home Maradona stayed in notably did not have a defibrillator.This huge trial is expected to last until July.Vadim Mischanchuk, lawyer for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, said he was “very optimistic” of an acquittal, arguing his client was in charge of Maradona’s mental, not physical health.The World Cup winner’s death plunged Argentina into mourning during the pandemic.Maradona shaking hands with his doctor Leopoldo Luque in Olivos in 2020Credit: AFPFans outside the courthouse on TuesdayCredit: GettyTens of thousands of people queued to bid farewell to the former Boca Juniors and Napoli striker as his body lay in state in the presidential palace.Mardona’s former partner Veronica Ojeda arrives at the courthouseCredit: GettyLocals have remained heartbroken over the World Cup winner’s tragic death.READ MORE SUN STORIESpensioner Hilda Pereira told AFP: “All society needs to know… what really happened, who abandoned him… and whoever is responsible must pay the price.”Maradona “did not deserve to die as he died, alone,” she added, her voice quavering.The star’s daughter Jana Maradona, arrives at courtCredit: ReutersEight people have been accused of ‘homicide with possible intent’Credit: AFP More

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      Five clubs Paul Pogba could join with move being ‘finalised’ as former Man Utd and Juventus star’s doping ban ends

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      PAUL POGBA is free to return to football after his doping ban officially came to an end on Tuesday.And the former Manchester United midfielder is looking for a new club after mutually agreeing to terminate his Juventus contract late last year.Paul Pogba is free to return to football after his doping ban officially endedCredit: APPogba has been out-of-action for 18 monthsCredit: AFPThe former Juventus star posted a video of him training on TuesdayCredit: Instagram / paulpogbaPogba was initially hit with a four-year suspension last February after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA – but had the term reduced to 18 months after a successful appeal.And the 31-year-old – who always denied any deliberate wrongdoing – can start playing matches again from March 11 following the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling.The French World Cup winner’s last competitive game was on September 3, 2023 when he came off the bench for Juventus against Empoli.But several suitors have registered their interest in Pogba, who even claimed that a deal was being “finalised” with an unnamed club.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPogba posted of video of him training on Instagram today, with the caption: “Someone is back 🔙🔋🐙”.But what are his best options – and which club has already opened the door for him?Manchester UnitedPogba fuelled speculation about a third stint at Man Utd with a cryptic Instagram post in January.The Frenchman first shared a cartoon drawing of himself standing next to Old Trafford hero Amad Diallo in a Red Devils kit.Most read in FootballPogba made 233 appearances for United across two spells at the club.He left Old Trafford in 2022 as a free agent and returned to Juventus, where he was hampered by injuries.But the reality is that Pogba is not the answer to United’s endless list of problems. What Ruben Amorim needs is young blood, that can be nurtured into top talent, not a player who hasn’t kicked a ball in 18 months.Pogba fuelled speculation about a third stint at Man UtdCredit: APPogba shared a cartoon drawing of himself in a United kit next to Amad Diallo in JanuaryInter MiamiAs well as a United return, intense speculation has been given to Pogba joining David Beckham-owned Inter Miami in the United States.Pogba even met with Becks at the club’s MLS opener against New York City in Florida last month.And he also posted a picture of himself looking at Port Miami with the caption: “Let’s see what’s coming…” shortly afterwards.The addition of a player like Pogba would further strengthen Inter Miami’s project, which aims to reach the Club World Cup.If Pogba were to be offered a deal, he would then join forces with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.Pogba even met with Becks at the club’s MLS opener last monthMarseilleA homecoming to his native France is reportedly on the cards as well.And Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has even opened the door for this to happen.De Zerbi has history of signing European football outcasts, including Pogba’s old Man Utd team-mate Mason Greenwood.The former Brighton boss said during the winter window: “I would like to have only champions in my team. “Pogba has always been a champion but honestly, during my discussions with staff, we have never spoken about it.”Marseille director Mehdi Benatia has refused to rule out a move for Pogba in the 2025/26 season.Pogba would be reunited with his old United team-mate Mason Greenwood if he joined MarseilleCredit: GettySaudi Pro LeagueThe Saudi Pro League’s financial power could lure Pogba to follow Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. to the Middle East.Where in the sovereign state he would land nobody, not even him, knows as the league shares out imported talent as a way of keeping things competitive.Pogba could be tempted to link up with top French players like N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema already at Al-Ittihad. And, Al-Shabab, now overseen by former Juventus director Pavel Nedved, could also be a viable option.While Brazilian clubs Corinthians and Santos have also been touted as possible destinations.Pogba could be tempted to link up with top French players like N’Golo KanteCredit: Afp or licensorsFenerbahceFenerbahce was reportedly aiming to sign Pogba during the January transfer window. READ MORE SUN STORIESPogba has previously worked with Fenerbahce’s current manager, Jose Mourinho, during their time at Old Trafford.The French midfielder would be reunited with old midfield partner Fred, too. Pogba has previously worked with Fenerbahce’s current manager Jose MourinhoCredit: ReutersPaul Pogba next club oddsOdds courtesy of bet365Inter Miami 9/4Man Utd 9/2Marseille 9/2Fenerbahce 7/1Al Ittihad Jeddah 10/1 More

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      Football ‘legend’ wins row with crypto millionaire ex-husband in bitter divorce fight over their £7m mansion

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      A FOOTBALL “legend” has won a row with her crypto millionaire ex-husband during their bitter divorce fight over a £7million mansion.Women’s football icon Diane Culligan, 63, has been battling with her financier ex Anthony, 62 since their divorce in 2022.Diane Culligan, 63, has won a legal battle to keep her £7million mansionCredit: StartraksDiane and her former husband Anthony Culligan, 62, argued the house should be sold and the money dividedCredit: Supplied by Champion NewsThe London mansion boasts nine-bedrooms and a cinema roomCredit: Supplied by Champion NewsThe power couple had been together for 40 years but when they decided to give the place a £2.1million revamp, things turned sour.As they separated, the Primrose Hill property in north London, which boasted nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a home cinema, became a point of contention.The pair filed for divorce and it soon became difficult to navigate how they would split their assets.Mrs Culligan blamed him for the split, claiming he had “walked out of the marriage without explanation,” which she claimed left her needing counselling.Read more SportMr Culligam said his wife for “overbearing” and “irrational” and claimed his wife had twice physically restrained him from leaving when he had tried to walk out.They agreed that their £27.3m fortune should be split equally, but went to the High Court in a fight over how to do that, with Mrs Culligan desperate to stay in their former home.In a now published judgement, the judge declared that Diane Culligan could keep the million-pound mansion.Despite acknowledging that a single person might not need a nine-bedroom property, the judge accepted that she an “emotional connection” to the London property.Most read in FootballMr Justice MacDonald said: “The wife contends that she needs to remain in the former matrimonial home.”Whilst the standard of living enjoyed by the parties during the marriage was a good one, on the face of it, it is difficult to see how the wife’s current needs as a single person extend to a nine bedroom, seven bathroom property.”Kyle Walker party girls revealed as globe-trotting models – and lift lid on how star is enjoying his new life in MilanHe said even though one of the adult children currently lives at the property, and another plans to move in, the house doesn’t necessarily fit Mrs Culligan’s “current needs.”The Judge added: “Against this, I accept that the wife has an emotional connection to the former matrimonial home to a degree that was not apparent in the evidence of the husband.”Within that latter context, I am satisfied that a fair distribution of the assets can be achieved without the need to sell the former matrimonial home.”The couple met in 1982 before marrying while living in Japan ten years on and having three children together.Both are highly successful with Mr Culligan making a fortune out of digital currencies and Mrs Culligan being a self-proclaimed football “pioneer.”In 2019, the couple set up a company, with Mrs Culligan as the sole shareholder, which was used to purchase the Lionesses, with her husband becoming a director.The 63-year-old founded the Women’s Championship football side which she ran as chairman until 2023.They lived a luxury lifestyle after Anthony’s crypto skills turned £10,000 into a whopping £20million sum.With the rest of Anthony’s crypto cash, the couple made investments into property and built up an impressive portfolio.Mr Justice MacDonald said the former couple agreed that neither of them should get more than a half share of their fortune, but disagreed on how it should be split.Mr Justice Macdonald continued: “Theirs was a long marriage of some forty years.”There must be some sharing of the illiquid…asset, although the wife’s share should be kept to the minimum amount required to ensure fidelity to the principle of fairness.”He finally made an order under which she keeps the couple’s former home, but Mr Culligan gets their rental properties and will be paid £750,000 by his ex.The judge noted that Mrs Culligan had played a key role in removing the Millwall women’s side from the umbrella of the men’s and rebranding them.However, he criticised both parties in his judgment, describing Mr Culligan as a “less than impressive witness” and Mrs Culligan as “not an impressive witness.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen the London City Lionesses was sold in 2023, Mrs Culligan continued on as a £750,000-a-year consultant for four years.The judge described her decision to take £3m as annual £750,000 payments over four years as an attempt to “disguise assets as future income.The Judge ruled that Diane Culligan could keep the propertyCredit: Supplied by Champion NewsDiane founded Women’s Championship football side, the London City LionessesCredit: Startraks More

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      How Premier League could have SEVEN teams in Champions League with up to 11 clubs playing European football

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      ENGLAND could have SEVEN teams in next season’s Champions League.And there is a chance that European competitions in 2025/26 will feature an incredible 11 English clubs.As many as seven English clubs could compete in the Champions League next seasonCredit: ReutersWhile inclusions in the Europa League and Conference League could bring England’s overall participation in European competition to 11Credit: ReutersThe quirks of how Premier League sides qualify for Uefa competitions has opened up the possibility of an unprecedented English presence.And the onus is Aston Villa, and either Tottenham or Manchester United, to set up a spectacular reverse Brexit.England is already on course to earn a fifth spot in next season’s Champions League because of the performance of its teams in Europe so far in this campaign.The top two nations in Uefa’s coefficient rankings at the end of the season will each get an extra spot. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland are currently top of the table, ahead of Spain and Italy, and still have six teams left in Europe to keep earning points.If England holds on to a top-two place, the top five finishers in the Premier League would all go into the Champions League.But if a club finished outside the top five, yet won the Champions League, they would qualify for next season’s competition as winners.Liverpool and Arsenal, two of the three English teams left in the CL, seem all but certain to come in the top five in the PL and so winning the CL would not make any difference.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet if Villa were to repeat their European Cup triumph of 1982, while finishing outside the top five, they would also go into the CL, taking England’s total number of clubs to six.Meanwhile Manchester United and Tottenham have next to no chance of finishing in European qualification places in the Premier League and are out of both domestic cups. Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League Yet if either club wins the Europa League, they would go straight into the league phase of next season’s Champions League – taking England’s representatives to seven.So that’s the seventh heaven scenario.But how could four more English clubs also find themselves in Europe?England starts every season with three allocated European places on top of however many clubs qualify for the Champions League.The highest finisher in the PL who does not earn a CL place automatically goes into the Europa League group stage. So do the FA Cup winners.And the team which wins the EFL Cup gets a place in the Europa Conference League play-off stage.But if either of the winners of the domestic cups finish in the Champions League qualifying spots then the European places normally allocated to those competitions can be passed down to the next highest finishers in the PL.Looking at the clubs left in the FA Cup, there is a decent chance that the FA Cup winners will also finish in the top five. Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Brighton, Bournemouth and Villa could all do it (although if Villa finished in the top five, that would put an end to the hopes of having seven teams in the Champions League).Similarly, Carabao Cup finalists Liverpool and Newcastle are both in the top five right now and so in line to pass down their winners’ place in the Europa Conference League to the highest finisher in the Premier League.You can draw up a number of versions of a final league table that would see 10 clubs qualify for Europe.But how would you reach 11?Well, it relies on Chelsea winning the Europa Conference League and so gaining an extra English place in the Europa League – while also not qualifying for Europe by any other route.That seems unlikely, but it remains possible.A collapse in the Blues’ league form could see them finish outside a place which would earn a European place – 10th for example. As explained above, the three teams in seventh, eighth and ninth places could all gain European places by virtue of their league finish – depending on which sides fill the Champions League spots and win the domestic cups.A Chelsea triumph in the ECL, plus either United or Spurs winning the Europa League, would see more than half of the Premier League competing in Europe next season.There are even scenarios where finishing 11th in the PL would be enough to qualify for Europe by right.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Spurs or United won the Europa League and also somehow finished in the top 10, along with Europa Conference League-winning Chelsea, then the Carabao Cup winners’ place in next season’s ECL would be passed down by Newcastle/Liverpool to the 11th-placed club.So even though Liverpool seem to have sewn up the title race, there is still plenty to play for – and lots of clubs to play for it!How 11 English teams could qualifyA final Premier League table and cup-winning scenario where 11 English teams qualify for Europe1 – Liverpool2 – Arsenal3 – Man City4 – Nottingham Forest5 – Newcastle6 – Aston Villa7 – Brighton8 – Bournemouth 9 – Fulham10 – Chelsea- – – – – – – – – – – – 11 – Manchester United/Tottenham- – – – – – – – – – – -WHO QUALIFIES?Top five all qualify for the Champions League – 5 CLUnited or Spurs win the Europa League – 6 CLVilla win the Champions League – 7 CL—————————————Brighton are the highest PL finishers outside CL qualifiers – 1ELForest or City win the FA Cup, but they are already in the CL through being in the top five so their EL place goes to next highest PL finishers, Bournemouth – 2ELChelsea win the Europa Conference League but their PL finish is not enough to earn a place in Europe – 3EL————————————Liverpool/Newcastle win the EFL Cup, but they qualify for the CL so their Europa Conference League place goes to next highest PL finishers, Fulham – 1ECLTOTAL7 CL+3 EL+1 ECL= 11 European placesCHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF More