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      Maya Jama & boyfriend Ruben Dias party to 3am in Lisbon after ace breaks her dating ‘curse’ over him with Portugal win

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      MAYA Jama broke her so-called love “curse” over football star Ruben Dias — as she saw him win 5-2 for Portugal on Sunday. The Love Island host, 30, then stayed up into the early hours to celebrate with her boyfriend, 27 – posing for a fireside snap in Lisbon at 3.30am. Maya Jama broke her ‘love curse’ over Ruben Dias, with the pair partying to 3.30am to celebrateCredit: RexMaya’s ‘curse’ over boyfriend Ruben was broken as she saw him help Portugal win 5-2 on SundayCredit: EPAThe Manchester City centre-back spent a month injured on the sidelines after they started dating in December. He also got stick from fans for his performance when Maya was seen in the crowd at the Etihad to watch stuttering City draw 2-2 with Brighton earlier this month. One supporter fumed on X: “Ruben Dias is way too distracted by Maya Jama. His game’s gone to s***.” Another sneered: “Ruben Dias best performance this season was his first chat with Maya Jama.” READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever Maya proved to be a good-luck charm on Sunday after flying out to watch Dias in Portugal’s Nations League quarter-final second-leg with Denmark. She was in a hospitality box with a friend at the José Alvalade Stadium while Dias’ teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s model girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez was sitting nearby. There were fears her dating “curse” may continue when Dias gave the ball away for Denmark to score late on — which would have dumped Portugal out on aggregate. But they grabbed a dramatic late goal before romping home in extra-time. Most read in FootballMaya and Ruben are then believed to have returned to the footballer’s home in the Cascais region of Lisbon. They stayed up late into the night and she shared a photo on Instagram of herself sat next to a fire pit by a swimming pool at 3.30am. Maya Jama stuns fans in her sexiest dress yet for Love Island All Stars finalThe couple got together after being introduced at the MTV EMAs in Manchester in November, following the breakdown of Maya’s on-off relationship with rapper Stormzy last summer. They spent New Year’s Eve together in Ibiza and last month they were seen wearing matching £5,000 Cartier bracelets emblazoned with the word “LOVE”. At the Brit Awards earlier this month, it was also revealed Maya has started taking Portuguese lessons. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Maya was in a hospitality box with a friend at the José Alvalade Stadium while Dias’ teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s model girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez was sitting nearbyCredit: Instagram More

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      Man Utd target Jarrad Branthwaite ‘considering Everton future’ after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad

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      MANCHESTER UNITED target Jarrad Branthwaite is said to be considering his future after being snubbed for Thomas Tuchel’s maiden England squad.Branthwaite, 22, made his one and only Three Lions cap to date in international friendlies last March under Gareth Southgate.Jarrad Branthwaite is said to be considering his future at EvertonCredit: AlamyIt comes after Thomas Tuchel snubbed him for his maiden England squadCredit: GettyThe Everton centre-back was a surprise omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad and had to watch from home as the squad limped its way to the final before being beaten by Spain.Branthwaite had then missed the Autumn Uefa Nations League fixtures under interim boss Lee Carsley due to a groin injury.He said his exclusion last summer had given him motivation to get back into the senior team.However, new boss Tuchel did not name him for World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, instead being picked by Carsley in the Under-21s.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe exclusion has prompted Branthwaite to further consider his future with Everton, according to Sky Sports.Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United are all keen on his signature.But SunSport’s Man Utd files revealed the Red Devils will only make a move for him if they qualify for the Champions League next season.The only realistic route into the competition for Ruben Amorim’s side will be through winning the Europa League.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBranthwaite is valued at more than £50million by the Toffees, and he is understood to be determined to pursue any move that would allow him to play in the Champions League.This would in turn further add to his case to return to the England senior team.I plucked Thomas Tuchel out of his job working in a bar in Stuttgart before he became England boss, reveals Man Utd flopHe confirmed to BBC Sport that he was one of 55 individual players Tuchel had spoken to on the phone.On the ex-Chelsea boss, Branthwaite said: “It is nice to have that connection with the new manager and to know he is watching you play and lets you know how you have done.”England ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match… More

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      Man Utd ‘want to get rid of at least TEN first team players this summer’ with Rashford, Sancho and Antony set for exits

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping to move on at least TEN players this summer as part of a huge rebuild, reports claim.It is no secret that the club’s new ownership and manager Ruben Amorim are looking to overhaul the squad after another dismal campaign.Chelsea can still opt out of their obligation-to-buy loan deal for Manchester United flop Jadon SanchoCredit: GettyThe club want to permanently sell academy star Marcus RashfordCredit: RexVeteran midfielder Casemiro will also be put up for sale as United look to raise funds for new signings.Credit: RexReports have suggested that United will consider offers for “practically every player” when the transfer window opens.Firstly, the four all-but definite exits come in the form of Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof.Evans, 37, – who has not started in four months – and Heaton, 39, are likely to retire, according to Manchester Evening News.While, fellow free agents midfielder Eriksen and defender Lindelof are set to be released come June.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSUnited were open to offers for Eriksen last summer and Lindelof is eyeing a return to Benfica after spending most of the last two seasons injured.The club want to permanently sell on-loan stars Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho to reinvest in a new goalscorer.Rashford has impressed since joining Aston Villa on loan in January and worked his way into Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.Villa have an £40million option to buy Rashford in the summer and it seems the damage is done in terms of his relationship with Amorim.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordElsewhere, Chelsea have an obligation to buy Sancho for £20-25million, although a £5million get-out clause has since emerged.The Blues are set to sign Sancho permanently in the summer, despite reports that suggested Stamford Bridge chiefs were tempted to pay the compensation to avoid it.Paul Scholes feels like Man Utd are ‘begging’ for money to build new stadium Antony -signed for £85.5million- has also has somewhat of a career revival since joining Real Betis but there looks to be no way back for him too.Veteran midfielder Casemiro will also be put up for sale as United look to raise funds for new signings.The Brazilian- who cost United a whopping £70million in 2022 – is determined to see out the remainder of his contract, which expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively reported that the club are looking to sell goalkeeper Andre Onana to the Saudi Pro League.And the future of No 2 Altay Bayindir is also up in the air as the Turkish stopper could seek more football in order to improve his chances of playing at next year’s World Cup.PSV also have an option to sign left back Tyrell Malacia on a permanent basis.While the club may look to move Luke Shaw if they can find a buyer given his continued injury problems.Amorim admitted some of his players are already aware that their time at the club is coming to an endCredit: GettySpeaking earlier this month, Amorim admitted some of his players are already aware that their time at the club is coming to an end.He said: “Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on. If I know how to explain it, I will do so because I like to be clear.”I was a player and like to use that experience — when you are honest with someone, they can take it. In the beginning maybe it is hard but they will understand.”I’m quite honest with my players and sometimes they know they have to move on at the end of the season.”We can talk about that in the end — now there are still a lot of games to play. But that is clear and not a difficult situation.”United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed the club “won’t be selling players because of the state we are in financially” amid doubts over the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Mainoo has not signed a renewal but his current deal has a maximum expiry date of 2028 .While Garnacho was the subject of a rejected £40m offer from Napoli in January.READ MORE SUN STORIESRatcliffe named six big-money United signings that are either “not good enough or overpaid” in his bombshell interview with Gary Neville recently.Sancho, Casemiro, Antony, Hojlund, Onana and Lisandro Martinez were all outed by the Ineos owner. More

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      England vs Latvia LIVE SCORE: Thomas Tuchel makes it two wins in two as Three Lions cruise in qualifier – latest updates

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      THOMAS TUCHEL records back-to-back wins as the Three Lions continue World Cup qualifying winning form.The Wembley clash opening exchanges were tupsy-turvy as the visitors missed a golden chance from a defensive mix-up. However, on the 38th minute James would provide the decisive touch from 25 yards out. Following the interval, an unmarked Kane would met Declan Rice’s fizzing low cross to tap in from yards out with no more than 20 minutes to go. Seven minutes later, substitute Eze would dance into the box before unleashing a strike past the goalkeeper to secure all three points and sit top of group. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Tougher tests need to lay aheadOne of the worrying things for England is their qualifying group, there is nobody in it to test them at all.That could mean them going into the next World Cup having not faced any opposition that will truly ask any questions of this side.Tuchel and the FA will need to address this with many other nations playing competitive matches against quality opponents.Copy linkCopiedThomas the frank engineOne thing you will always get with Thomas Tuchel is honesty.In his media duties after the match, he pulled no punches in the fact he was not completely happy with what he saw out on the pitch against Latvia.It could be a refreshing era to be an England fan with a manager who will always tell you what he is truly thinking.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNew coach still finding his feetIt is hard to see anything different from this England team with Thomas Tuchel so new to the job.The pain of defeat in the Euros is still raw but fans know something needs to change if they are going to win trophies.As the manager outlined in his post-match media duties, he felt he has learnt a lot about his players over the course of these two matches.Ensuring they qualify will be the main target for his tenure but it remains to be seen if he can get this generation to blossom.Copy linkCopiedEze does it for Three LionsEberechi Eze made the difference for England against Latvia at Wembley this evening.His pace and skill was a constant threat to the visitors, something they struggled to cope with.The Crystal Palace winger has a hunger for beating players whenever he gets the ball, which in a game like this one was a joy to watch.Providing he can stay fit, he has made a big claim for a starting spot in this Thomas Tuchel era.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGoals send fans home happyEveryone expected an England win against lowly Latvia.What nobody wanted to see was a mundane performance with few goals and little penetration.Having scored three times, dominated the game and barely had anything to do in a defensive capacity this was job done at Wembley this evening.Copy linkCopiedGunner puts in big shiftDeclan Rice was an integral cog in the England machine tonight.His runs into the channels helped try and break down a dogged Latvian defence at Wembley.Add to that his assist for Kane’s goal, it was an impressive performance from the Arsenal midfielder.Copy linkCopiedJames grabs first Three Lions goalReece James put in a solid performance for Thomas Tuchel’s side against Latvia this evening.It was his stunning free-kick that opened the scoring, despite not really celebrating the moment.The keeper had no chance as his curling effort went into the top corner of the goal.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBoss gives overview of performanceSpeaking with ITV Sport after the game, the England manager gave his thoughts on tonight’s match.I guess so. It was not an easy match, we had to unlock it. We created a lot of chances from set-pieces. In general I am happy with the attitude, we will get there. Especially in the second-half, we started a little too slow. We encourage everyone to have these accelerations and when they did this everything seemed a little easier. It is interesting as I learn about the players and learn about the game, which is good.Thomas TuchelEnglandCopy linkCopiedMissed opportunity for Villa manMarcus Rashford came into this match full of confidence as he looks to rebuild his career during his loan spell at Villa Park.Despite being so involved in the game and seeing so much of the ball, his performance really failed to deliver.Something is missing still, it may take a little bit more than a short holiday in Birmingham to fix.Fortunately Rashford is not walking home tonight, roads could have proved a dilemma, after this showing it is evident he cannot cross anything.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: England 3-0 LatviaThis result will be seen as job done looking at the scoreline.For long periods of the match, Tuchel’s side struggled to break down a side that had everyone behind the ball.James’ superb free-kick broke the deadlock before two second-half goals added more of a gloss to the performance.Copy linkCopiedFT: England 3-0 LatviaThe referee brings the game to a close.Another win for Thomas Tuchel’s England side.Latvia offered little resistance here this evening.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at WembleyAt times, the crowd were more excited about paper planes and Mexican waves. But as the Latvians tired, England provided some more entertainment. As well as Kane and Eberechi Eze’s goals, Morgan Rogers should have scored once and had another effort very well saved. Rashford tried ever so, ever so hard, but nothing quite came off for him. Tuchel was frustrated his team didn’t turn their chances into more goals. But job done.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia90+2. Sits is penalised for a shove on Konsa.He has seen more grass than Snoop Dogg in this second-half.Ironically, Wembley looks like the fire alarm has gone off with more empty seats than filled ones now.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia90. Foden has the chance to put a late corner into the box.The delivery is woeful as it barely gets more than an inch off the floor and is easily cleared by the visitors at the near post.We are going to have three added minutes.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia88. That was a dreadful miss from the Palace defender.One stand out player in this game, despite only coming on as a substitute, is Eberechi Eze.Latvia have not been able to cope with his pace, trickery and hunger to make something happen.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia86. England have a free-kick which is worked short.The ball is played out to Eze, who puts in an inch-perfect cross into the middle of the goal.Guehi has a completely free-header but, somehow, sends it wide of the target.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia84. Someone seems to have put ten pence in the bugle player now.Always seems a bizarre thing to bring to a football game.Leaving the house, checking you have all the important things.Wallet, mobile phone, brass band instruments……check.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia82. You could be forgiven for thinking football is no longer a contact sport.The reaction from Konsa when Gutkovskis made life difficult for him on the ball was nothing short of pathetic.It is almost like the modern footballer loses their mind when somebody actually looks to get physical with them.As Roy Keane would say……..babies!!Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia80. There are some tired Latvian legs out there now.England could really rub salt into the wound in the remainder of this game.The visitors had done well to keep the score respectable for such a long period of this match.Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia78. Tuchel looks ready to make some more changes.Henderson, Jones and Walker are all ready to come on.They replace Rice, Rashford and Lewis-Skelly.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedEngland 3-0 Latvia76. Eze has looked like a breath of fresh air in this game.He picks up the ball, wide in the box, twisting and turning his man.The Palace winger cuts inside onto his right foot and gets a shot away which beats the Latvian keeper.It took a deflection on the way through but it would be harsh if that one if taken away from him.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Eberechi Eze (England)Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-0 Latvia74. England almost catch out Latvia on the counter.Rashford could not sort out his feet quick enough to play the first-time pass needed to find Foden in acres of space.He ended up backheeling it into the path of Kane but his attempted cross was cut out.Copy linkCopiedEngland 2-0 Latvia72. Latvia force their second corner of the game.As the ball is whipped in, Konsa heads it clear.The visitors try a long range effort but it is well blocked.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at WembleyQuite a few paper planes in this second half, which is never a good sign. Thomas Tuchel does not look a happy man, sitting in the dugout scowling like a Dickensian villain. How on earth has Jude Bellingham not been sent off? Already booked for an orange-card-worthy foul in the first half, he’s just done a needless scissor challenge on Raivis Jurkovskis. It’s not what Tuchel meant when he said he wanted Bellingham to channel his emotions. A bit of a surprise that he wasn’t taken off sooner. Although he did tee up Kane for a chance he would usually bury. Phil Foden now on for Bellingham, with the chance to make up for Friday. Kane scores immediately.Copy linkCopied More

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      Ruben Amorim set to raid Sporting Lisbon for £35m Rashford transfer replacement who’s already flopped in Premier League

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      RUBEN AMORIM is planning a summer return to Sporting Lisbon – for £35 million-rated winger Trincao.The Manchester United boss has made signing a wide player a priority, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford unlikely to return to Old Trafford after their respective loans.Trincao won more admirers with two goals for Portugal vs DenmarkCredit: RexThe Sporting star is a target for at least four top clubsCredit: AlamyAnd Trincao, who scored twice for Portugal in Sunday’s 5-2 Nations League win over Denmark, is top of the United chief’s wanted list, after taking him to Lisbon during his days in charge.The 25-year-old once had a £400m-plus buy-out when he moved to Barcelona, but he never really cracked it at the Camp Nou and ended up with a season on loan at Wolves.After another one at Sporting, Amorim made it a permanent deal and his career took off after finally finding stability.Trincao is generally a left-footed right winger, but can play on either flank and has also been used through the middle.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNewcastle and Arsenal have also been keeping tabs on him.However, the biggest threat may come from Barca, who retain a buy-back option of little more than £20m.But Amorim hopes their previous working relationship, and the chance to link up with his old manager, will sway Trincao towards Old Trafford.Meanwhile, it’s reckoned United could up their asking price for Aston Villa loanee Rashford.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe striker has earned an England recall under Thomas Tuchel.And it was understood United were willing to offload the Mancunian, 27, at the end of the season for around £35m-£40m.Moment Marcus Rashford’s £700k Rolls-Royce is towed off motorway after tyre blew outBut now it’s claimed the 61-cap star could be valued at close to £60m.Ironically, it’s been suggested Rashford still dreams of joining Barcelona. More

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      Former Arsenal star Lucas Perez ‘struck down by tuberculosis’ just weeks after joining new club

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      EX-ARSENAL star Lucas Perez has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis, according to a shocking report.The Spanish striker, who now plays for Dutch side PSV, is set to be sidelined for a long time with the illness.Lucas Perez has been struck down with active tuberculosisCredit: Instagram / psvPerez is an ex-Arsenal starCredit: GettyAccording to De Telegraaf, it is doubtful Perez will play again this season.In a statement on their website, PSV said: “One of the players of PSV 1 has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. The player is doing well under the circumstances. “Although the chance of further infection is small, the situation is being closely monitored according to the standard protocols of the GGD.”The situation was reported to GGD Brabant-Zuidoost. The attending pulmonologist, the PSV medical staff and the GGD Brabant-Zuidoost immediately took all necessary measures. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Among other things, a source and contact investigation was started and those involved were informed. “Together with GGD Brabant-Zuidoost, the standard protocols will continue to be followed and implemented. “For now, there are no indications that people in the vicinity of the infected player have been infected.”As it stands, PSV’s high-profile clash with Ajax is still scheduled to go ahead this weekend, but there is a risk the game could be called off if more cases of TB are found within the PSV squad.Most read in FootballAn active TB infection usually affects the lungs and the person must be isolated for three to four weeks and undergo a course of antibiotics.It has a long period of incubation before symptoms manifest themselves, during which time the patient is also contagious.Lucas Perez signs for ArsenalCommon symptoms typically include a long-lasting cough, feelings of exhaustion, high temperatures, a loss of appetite, weight loss and generally feeling unwell.Perez, 36, joined PSV one month ago after terminating his contract at Deportivo La Coruna in January.He was not able to be registered to face his old club in the Champions League for PSV’s last-16 clash with Arsenal due to the registration window passing before he signed.He has played three times for the Eredivisie since joining.But his estimated five to six week absence means he faces a race against time to play again before the Dutch clubs final game of the season on May 18 when they play Sparta Rotterdam.Perez originally joined Arsenal in 2016 in a £17million transfer from Deportivo.But he never managed to truly settle in North London despite having a solid record when playing, with seven goals and five assists in 21 games in all competitions.Arsenal loaned Perez back to his hometown club, Deportivo in August 2017 before they sold him to West Ham the following summer.He scored six goals in 19 appearances for the Hammers before they sold him a summer later to Spanish side Alaves.Perez then bounced around from Elche to Cadiz and back to Deportivo for the fourth time in his career.After joining PSV, Perez opened up about his difficult upbringing and strained relationship with his parents.He told El Partidazo de Cope how his father had abandoned him as a child, saying: “I was raised by my grandparents, my father’s parents.”When I was two, my parents left me in an orphanage because they couldn’t or didn’t want to take care of me.”This season, I received a complaint from my father demanding that I pay maintenance for the rest of his life.”From then on, I spent several months until I left Deportivo with a lot of stress and a lot of anxiety because I had to relive very difficult moments in my life.Europe rocked by fresh tuberculosis (TB) casesEUROPE has been rocked by fresh tuberculosis (TB) fears after child cases jump by 10 per cent within a year.Global health chiefs warn that TB, dubbed the ‘world’s deadliest infection’, is surging due to treatment failures, calling it a “disturbing wake-up call”.Over 7,500 TB cases were recorded in children under 15 in the WHO European Region in 2023, the latest European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report revealed.This marks an increase of more than 650 cases from the previous year.Kids under five now make up 4.3 per cent of new and relapsed cases, “signifying an increase for the third year in a row,” the health bodies said in a statement.Relapsed TB is when the infection comes back after treatment, usually because the medicine wasn’t finished.TB is a debilitating bacterial infection often linked to the Victorian era, when it was called “consumption” due to the way it seemed to slowly waste away the body.But even today, it persists, killing around 1.25 million people globally each year.Experts are sounding alarms over the rise, fearing that untreated cases could fuel the growth of drug-resistant strains, making the disease harder to combat.In the report, Dr Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Director of the ECDC, said: “The time to act to end TB is now.””When I signed for Arsenal, my mother also sent me a burofax demanding money… but she can’t claim it because she’s not listed in the joint custody.”My grandparents asked for custody and, later, my grandmother allowed my father to take over. I was lucky to have my grandparents, but they couldn’t last as long as they should have.”Discussing his recent exit from Deportivo and move to PSV Eindhoven, he continued: “I’m leaving now because the issue with my father continues. I’ve met him several times this Christmas and it’s not a pleasant experience.”Given that the situation at the club wasn’t right, because I didn’t feel valued or supported, I decided to be honest and tell them that I’m having a hard time stepping aside.”The club and I spoke… There were two games left to reach the 20-year mark with which I was going to renew and I didn’t want to.”Two days later, after saying that we were going to take a break, I received a letter from the club asking me to sign a written commitment with them.”I consider that they don’t know what Deportivo means to me and when there is doubt like that, the best thing to do is to step aside.”Perez also disputed claims that he left Deportivo for financial reasons, insisting he actually stepped away due to his personal situation.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What father doesn’t want to be close to his son? Obviously I want to be close, but if my job doesn’t allow it… I was already far away from him,” he added.”What happened is that they (the media) have echoed a lie and I am partly to blame for having allowed them to buy that lie. The person who released that information did so to hurt me.” More

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      ‘It had eaten away at me’ – Franck Ribery reveals he nearly lost his LEG after horrific infection left him in A&E

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      FRANCK RIBERY feared losing his leg as he lay in hospital during the 12 “scariest” days of his career.Footballers often speak of painful moments in terms of missed chances, failed transfers or unfulfilled dreams.Franck Ribery ended his career at Salernitana in October 2022 after the most traumatic time of his 18-year careerCredit: GettyRibery’s peak years came at Bayern, including Champions League gloryCredit: PA:Empics SportAnd yes, they sometimes also speak of frustration over injuries when pondering their low points.But for French legend Ribery there is no doubt what counts as the worst time of his two decades at the very top. It came as he wound his career down at Salernitana, with a particularly unlucky finale to 13 months at the Italian club in 2022.Ribery had what should have been a pretty routine operation to insert a metal plate into his knee.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut although it went well, he told L’Équipe his knee then “had no more cartilage”And after that his situation plunged perilously.The former Bayern Munich winger, 41, went back to have the plate taken out about five months after his initial surgery.But Ribery had picked up an infection and soon discovered how frightening the scenario had become.Most read in FootballThe ex-Marseille and Fiorentina hero explained: “I took tablets for two months, the plate was removed but the infection had eaten away at me.”It was so bad that I had holes in my leg. I had contracted Staphylococcus Aureus.Franck Ribery trains with Bayern Munich “I was in the emergency department in the hospital in Austria for twelve days. “I was really scared. They could have cut off my leg.”In the end, Ribery recovered well enough to continue life as normal.And the traumatic time surely put into perspective the fact it confirmed his playing days were over at the age of 39.In all, Ribery won a then-record nine Bundesliga titles in 12 years at Bayern, also lifting the Champions League crown in 2013.He picked up 81 caps and a runners-up medal at the 2006 World Cup.And how about these for individual stats – 176 goals and 211 assists in 784 matches. More

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      ‘Don’t let Man Utd see this’ – EFL club’s team coach spotted as rail replacement bus in Manchester city centre

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      CARLISLE UNITED’S team coach has been spotted acting as a rail replacement service in Manchester city centre.A coach with the League Two outfit’s team name, badge, and colours was snapped at Manchester Victoria station being used as a rail replacement service.Fans joked Sir Jim Ratcliffe would replicate the move for Man UtdCredit: GettyThe EFL’s bottom club played at home to Bromley on Saturday, winning 2-1.This left the coach free to be used elsewhere, which led to it being deployed for transport as engineering works left a number of lines closed over the weekend.The affected lines included between Manchester Victoria and Bolton (calling at all intermediate stations) and Manchester Victoria and Wigan Wallgate via Atherton.Fans on social media spotted it all over the area, with fans reporting sightings in Wigan, Ardwick, Cheadle Hulme, and even taking the Manchester Storm ice hockey team to an away game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, football fans on social media saw the funny side relating to one football club, Manchester United.Following the extensive cuts made at the club following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival, fans have often poked fun at the British billionaire’s perceived stinginess.And fans took the opportunity to highlight this when reacting to the photo of Carlisle’s team bus.One fan said: “Don’t let @ManUtd see this. They will be all over it.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA second said: “Don’t give Sir Jim ideas.”A third said: “Jim Ratcliffe is going to try steal it for United isn’t he?”Andy Goldstein insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got everything wrong at Man Utd after drastic cuts Others were astonished by the photo in general, with one commenting: “Brings a tear to your eye. What a nation.”Another said: “Can’t beat this country sometimes.”Carlisle are playing away at Doncaster next weekend, so despite more engineering works scheduled on lines coming out of Manchester Victoria, the coach may be missing in action.Before that, Mark Hughes’ side play MK Dons at home on Tuesday evening.They are currently seven points adrift of safety, sitting level on points with Morecambe but with an inferior goal difference.Tranmere in 22nd place currently represents the team Carlisle need to overtake to stay in the football league.They have not fallen outside of the EFL since 2005, while they were only relegated from League One last season. More