Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Diego Maradona’s body to be ‘removed from graveyard’ as judge grants special permission for memorial

      by

      DIEGO MARADONA’S body is set to be moved – almost four years after his death.The Argentina legend will reportedly be exhumed and moved to a new public memorial in Buenos Aires.Diego Maradona’s family are looking to move his body four years after his deathCredit: APThe Argentina legend died in 2020 following a heart attackCredit: AFPMaradona was voted as one of the greatest player of the 20th centuryCredit: RexMaradona died in 2020 after suffering a heart attack at his home. He had left hospital just two weeks earlier following a bleed on the brain. The 60-year-old was revered as one of the greatest football players of the 20th century. Maradona was buried in the Jardin Bella Vista cemetery in Argentina’s capital.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHis children have been attempting to create a dedicated mausoleum since 2021.According to Spanish outlet Relevo, a judge finally ruled the move lawful on Tuesday.It will see Maradona’s body transferred to a permanent memorial site in the city’s Puerto Madero neighbourhood.His children claim it will be “a place of eternal rest where he can be visited and receive the recognition and love of the millions of people who express it daily through different means”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe shrine will be known as the Memorial del Diez or M10 Memorial, in honour of Maradona’s famous No10 shirt.Thousands of fans lined the streets in Argentina and Italy following the icon’s death almost four years ago.Napoli post moving tribute to the late Diego Maradona Maradona was a club legend at Napoli, where he won Serie A and the UEFA Cup in 1989. A maverick forward, the unpredictable superstar was named alongside Pele as a joint winner in the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award. Famed for his ‘Hand of God’ goal against England at the 1986 World Cup, he was known as El Pibe de Oro – the Golden Boy. Maradona was survived by five children and ex-wife Claudia Villafane, who he divorced in 2003.The Argentian legend passed away in November 2020Credit: AFP or licensorsMaradona is currently buried at the Jardin Bella Vista cemetery in Buenos AiresCredit: AFPA delayed trial brought by his daughters Giannina and Dalma will begin next March.The pair claim Maradona’s medical team is culpable for his death. The criminal case against eight doctors and nurses will focus on how they treated Maradona in his final hours.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey are accused of leaving the 60-year-old in agony as his condition worsened.The eight medical staff, who include his psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, face 25 years in jail if convicted. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I wouldn’t mind fighting Roy Keane… he’s not as tough as he makes out, it’s all bravado, claims Premier League legend

      by

      ROY KEANE is all bravado and is not as tough as he makes out.That’s according to iconic Premier League boss who says he “wouldn’t mind fighting” the Manchester United legend.Harry Redknapp claims Roy Keane is not as tough as he thinksCredit: RexHe even said he would like to fight the former footballerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdFeisty midfielder Keane, now 53, has continued his ruthless, no-nonsense approach from his playing career into his punditry work.He often shoots down opposing views and can be confrontational in the studio, particularly if he thinks colleagues are being too lenient on players.But Premier League legend Harry Redknapp claims it is all just an act, and joked he would not mind fighting Keane.The 73-year-old boss told Soccer PM: “I don’t think Roy Keane’s as tough as he makes out. It’s all bravado. I wouldn’t mind fighting Roy Keane, actually.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKeane built a hardman reputation during his playing career by accumulating 13 red cards.He also broke Alf Inge Haaland’s leg in a Manchester derby and did not hold back with his aggression on the pitch.The former Manchester United captain also has several showdowns with managers during his career, most infamously when he slammed Ireland boss Mick McCarthy before leaving the 2002 World Cup early.Keane was even involved in an altercation earlier this year and allegedly elbowed a fan after he was headbutted during a brawl.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut another football hardman, Scott Brown, has revealed Keane is far from his “horrible” on-pitch persona.Brown said: “You can be whoever you want to be on a football pitch but you need to make sure you are a winner.Video emerges of Roy Keane throwing ball at Alan Shearer’s head amid Erling Haaland debate“You can be the most hated guy in the world; or the nicest guy in the world.“Look at Jamie Redknapp – the nicest man in football.I don’t think Roy Keane’s as tough as he makes out. It’s all bravado. I wouldn’t mind fighting Roy Keane, actually.Harry Redknapp“And then you look at Roy Keane – probably a horrible man when he played.“I never played against him but I can imagine he was horrible.“Then you go and meet both and Jamie is a lovely man and so is Roy so there is no right way or wrong way.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star admits ‘we have to suffer’ as he blames horror run of form on ‘restructure’ following Spurs battering

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED full-back Diogo Dalot has admitted he and his team-mates “have to suffer” amid the club’s restructuring process.New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordered a complete overhaul behind the scenes at Old Trafford after acquiring 25 per cent of United earlier this year.Diogo Dalot claims Man Utd ‘have to suffer’ amid restructuringCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag’s future is in doubtCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe has kick started a huge shake-up behind the scenes at Old TraffordCredit: AlamyThe British billionaire has already appointed a new chief executive, technical director and sporting director since taking charge of football operations.And he is planning to build a new state-of-the-art stadium to replace the Theatre of Dreams.Amid the huge shake-up at Man Utd, manager Erik ten Hag is struggling to get the best out of his players on the pitch.The Red Devils currently sit 13th in the Premier League table with just seven points from six games.Read More on Man UtdAnd right-back Dalot admits he and his team-mates have been affected by the ongoing changes behind the scenes. The Portugal international said: “I feel that there is a restructuring at the club, which is good, but during this process we have to suffer.”It’s a daily job, we have to train well and recover well. There are ups and downs that football brings us, but the more balanced we are as a club and as athletes, the more successful we will be. “It is normal to go through a period of reflection and analyse what was done, good and bad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd’s next two results could be crucial”There is always a 24-hour period to switch off and start thinking about the next match.”There are different matches and different opponents and we have to change the chip to be better physically and mentally.”Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham Man Utd’s season went from bad to worse on Sunday when they suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham.Many fans and pundits are now calling for Ten Hag to be sacked.And SunSport understands the Dutchman has two games to save his job – tricky trips to Porto and Aston Villa.Despite the ongoing speculation about his future, Ten Hag insists he is not worried about facing the axe.He told Sky Sports: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTen Hag also said: “We are going to make a success from the season.”Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about. We can sort [the problems] out, this team can sort this out.”Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd flop dubbed ‘champion in losing the ball’ as Premier League’s ‘worst ever manager’ fires scathing warning

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Joshua Zirkzee has been dubbed a “champion of losing the ball” after his performance against Tottenham.Dutchman Frank de Boer, who Jose Mourinho once labelled “the Prem’s worst ever manager” fired a scathing attack on new boy Zirkzee.Joshua Zirkzee was on the receiving end of fierce criticism for his Tottenham showingFrank de Boer has laid into ‘absolutely shocking’ ZirkzeeZirkzee’s poor United displays have swiftly come under-fire, despite netting a late winner from the bench on his debut against Fulham.He frequently gave up possession in United’s 3-0 hammering by Spurs, even kicking the ball out of play on two occasions without any pressure.Zirkzee was removed at half-time after Bruno Fernandes’ red card – which has since been overturned – saw Casemiro enter the fray.And De Boer was less than impressed with the 23-year-old’s display against Ange Postecoglou’s men.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDe Boer told Viaplay: “Look at Joshua Zirkzee. He was having a nightmare. He was absolutely shocking.”How many times does he make the wrong choices on the pitch? “Okay, he did have one shot at goal and the keeper saved it. But all in all he was champion in losing the ball.”During the warm-up before the game, I was watching him and he was shooting on goal but he was blasting it anywhere but on target.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Honestly, he did not hit the target once in the warm-up. That was terrible. “When you are a good striker, you don’t have to blast every ball, you have to make sure your shots are in the corner. New Man Utd signing arrives at Old Trafford for first time since transfer… only to see horror show against Tottenham”During the game Marcus Rashford tried to shoot like that. Zirkzee never did.”The former Bologna striker joined United for 36.5m this summer, but looks way off the pace for Prem football.Erik ten Hag’s compatriot De Boer was also heavily critical of the United boss after the game.He added: “United look like a team that are wobbling everywhere.”They have been totally outclassed, and I am talking about being outclassed tactically, in quality, in effort and energy. Where weren’t they outclassed?”Mourinho once lambasted De Boer’s own managerial credentials in 2018, after his criticism of Rashford during the Special One’s time at United.Look at Joshua Zirkzee. He was having a nightmare. He was absolutely shocking.Frank de BoerHitting back at De Boer, Mourinho said: “I read something, some quote from the worst manager in the history of the Premier League, Frank De Boer.”If Rashford was coached by Frank he would lose because he lost every game.”De Boer was sacked by Crystal Palace after just five games and 77 days in charge.A stint that encompassed four league games, all of which ended in defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on to manage Atalanta from 2018-20 and spent a year with the Netherlands before being sacked after Euro 2021.De Boer was also let go by Abu Dhabi side Al Jazira in December 2023 – after six months in charge.Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans say ‘there’s absolutely no way’ as footballer’s stunning mum confused for his Wag… and she’s even a gran

      by

      A FOOTBALLER’S mum has left fans in disbelief after they mistook her for his Wag.Former Bundesliga champion and Sunderland star Leon Dajaku appeared next to his mother, Blerta, as he posed with a shirt in a viral social media post last month.Leon Dajaku’s mother, right, has left fans stunned after being mistaken for his WagCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramBlerta Dajaku might look in her 20s, but she is actually in her 40s and recently became a granCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramThe Kosovan-Albanian works as a beauticianCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramShe has 22,000 followers on InstagramCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramBut fans could not believe their eyes with her jaw-dropping looks.Blerta, a Kosovan-Albanian beautician, has earned celebrity status in Croatia, where her son plays as an attacker for Hajduk Split.While the blonde-bombshell might appear to be in her 20s, she is ageing like fine wine and is actually in her 40s.And she recently became a grandmother after Dajaku and his stunning partner, Leonie June, gave birth to a baby girl, Nava, in March.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBlerta often shares glimpses of her jet-set lifestyle to her Instagram page, which has managed to capture the attention of and gain her a following of nearly 22,000 on the platform.Glamorous destinations she has visited include Dubai, the Maldives, Paris and of course Sunderland.Following Dajaku’s transfer to Hajduk Split, proud mum Blerta wrote: “Dear Leon, a new chapter in your life begins now in Croatia. “May God have only the best for you and may you be healthy and happy. We love you, your family.”Most read in FootballAnother post alongside him saw her say: “When I’m with you, my heart smiles.”Reacting on social media, one fan said: “This is the guy’s MOTHER, not his wife. I’m genuinely in awe.”Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsA second said: “Bro looks older than his mum.”A third said: “Lol no you’re trolling.”Another said: “Oh my goodness.”Dajaku is one of three sons Blerta has. He was born in Germany after Blerta and his father fled from the Yugoslavian civil war before bouncing between Stuttgart and Bayern Munich’s youth teams.He won the Bundesliga title with Bayern in 2020 after making two appearances. Dajaku originally joined Sunderland on loan from Union Berlin in 2021 before securing a permanent transfer the following year.He then spent the season on loan at FC St. Gallen before being sold to Hajduk Split in 2023.Blerta often shares her jet-set lifestyleCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramDajaku, left, used to play for SunderlandCredit: Rex More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      How Liverpool cult hero was caught trying to seduce 15 celebrities with same text message before MUM stuck up for him

      by

      FORMER Liverpool star John Arne Riise was found out to have texted 15 celebrity women with the same message back in 2005.The Norwegian, now 44, helped the Reds win the Champions League in Istanbul in May that year.John Arne Riise helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2005Credit: AP:Associated PressMona Grudt received Riise’s text messageCredit: GettyMarion Ravn was another recipient of the infamous textCredit: GettyRiise is also said to have messaged Mia HaraldsenCredit: RexFollowing his triumph, Riise decided to open his contact book to text some ladies.He subsequently crafted what he felt to be the ideal message.It is said to have read: “Good evening… After a lot of calling to all kinds of contacts, I finally got your number.”I have always thought you are very charming, cute, sexy, fantastic aura, and last but not least, you seem exciting and challenging); hope we can get in touch, and I will of course invite you on a romantic dinner for two); kiss from John Arne Riise xxx”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSatisfied with his creation, Riise is claimed to have decided to send it to 15 different women in his native Norway.Unfortunately for the full-back, he was soon rumbled when they each realised that several others had received the same message.Former Miss Universe Mona Grudt was approached by Norwegian publication Aftenposten regarding Riise’s message.She confirmed at the time: “This is a bit embarrassing, but the answer is yes. I have received messages from Riise.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSeveral other Norwegian celebrities rapidly became known to have been texted by Riise.In addition to Grudt, singer Marion Ravn, actresses Aylar Lie and Anette Young, and model Kathrine Sorland were later named.Former Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise tries beer for the first time but isn’t impressed While TV personality Pia Haraldsen, singers Sandra Lyng Haugen and Tone Damli Aaberge were also said to have received the message.Talk show host Synnove Svabo didn’t seem bothered at all by Riise’s text, making light of the situation.As per the Daily Star, Riise himself has since admitted to having had a chuckle at his own expense regarding his infamous message.The man dubbed the “SMS King” by Norwegian papers said: “Not in my wildest imagination would I have thought that the newspapers would make an issue out of this.”It was idiotic, and I’ve laughed a little at myself afterwards.”I probably flirted a little too much, but only got pleasant responses.”The purpose has only been to make contact with some cute girls I appreciate.”And I don’t say no to a SMS flirt… Now I’m considering throwing my mobile phone straight into the bin!”Kathrine Sorland received Riise’s textCredit: RexModel Sorland was on Riise’s list of contactsCredit: RexSinger Sandra Lyng Haugen was a further recipient of the messageCredit: RexRiise did have one woman come out to publicly defend him… his mum Berit.”Yes, my son is on the lookout,” she said at the time. “But he’s single now and I can’t understand any girl being upset.”Prior to winning the Champions League, Riise had already been married to childhood sweetheart Guri Havnevik, with the pair having a daughter together named Ariana in 2001.The pair wed in 2003, but would split the following year.Riise went on to marry new partner Maria Elvegard in 2010, with the couple having two children together; Emma, 15, and Patrick, 12.The ex-footballer and Maria announced their split in 2012, with Riise going on to marry Louise Angelica two years later.Riise and Louise have one child together, son Colin, five, but went on to break up in 2021 – with Louise going public with new boyfriend David Eriksen earlier this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring his stint at Liverpool, the Norway international was shockingly attacked with a golf club by then-team-mate Craig Bellamy.After Riise had refused to sing karaoke, days before the Reds’ Champions League clash with Barcelona in 2007, Bellamy later wandered into his hotel room and attempted to strike him with one of his clubs.Riise married Louise Angelica in 2014 More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League supercomputer predicts semi-final heartbreak for Arsenal with shock Premier League rival winning it

      by

      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the outcome of this season’s Champions League – and it’s bad news for Arsenal.The Gunners have enjoyed a great campaign so far both in the Premier League and on the European stage.Arsenal cruised to a 2-0 win over PSG in the Champions League on TuesdayCredit: GettyA supercomputer has predicted the Gunners to go the distance this seasonCredit: GettyThey are yet to lose a match this term having only dropped points to Brighton, Manchester City and Atalanta.Mikel Arteta’s side faced the Italian giants in their first Champions League group stage match last month.They were held to a drab 0-0 draw at the Gewiss Stadium, prompting some fans to question how far they will go in the competition.But a 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday asserted their place among Europe’s elite.Read More in FootballNow, the Gunners have been tipped to go the distance in the competition.A supercomputer from CSDB has predicted Arsenal to improve on last term’s finish by reaching the semi-finals.Arteta’s side crashed out of the Champions League following a 3-2 defeat on aggregate to Bayern Munich in April.But they are now expected to go one step further by reaching the penultimate stage for the first time in 15 years.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe final group stage table, according to the supercomputerShould Arsenal do so, they are lined up to face Premier League rivals Liverpool.The supercomputer predicts Arne Slot’s side to progress to the final with a 4-2 win on aggregate.Arsenal player ratings vs PSGLiverpool are then expected to take on reigning Prem champions Man City.The Reds have been tipped to beat City on penalties at the Allianz Arena.Slot and his team have been predicted to face Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal on their way to the final.Meanwhile, the supercomputer has drawn Man City against RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.According to the AI technology, Arsenal will face Bayer Leverkusen in the last-16 before taking on reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.Among the other teams expected to qualify for the knockouts are Barcelona – the team tipped to beat Aston Villa in the play-offs – as well as Juventus, Monaco, Feyenoord, Paris Saint-Germain and Sporting Lisbon.The supercomputer has predicted Man City and Liverpool to meet in the finalLiverpool have been tipped to win the Champions League again – they last took home the trophy in 2019Credit: AP More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Merino says Arsenal are ‘obsessed’ with winning titles after finally making his debut following freak injury

      by

      MIKEL MERINO made the switch to Arsenal because they are “obsessed” with winning trophies.The Spaniard joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad for £32m on August 27 – but fractured his shoulder in his first training session two days later in a freak collision.Mikel Merino made his first Arsenal appearance against PSG at the EmiratesCredit: PAMerino completed his switch from Real Sociedad back in AugustCredit: GettyAfter a frustrating recovery period, 28-year-old midfielder Merino finally made his debut off the bench in Tuesday night’s 2-0 Champions League victory at home to PSG.Merino is now in line to make his Premier League debut on Saturday against Southampton – a huge boost for boss Mikel Arteta with skipper Martin Odegaard still out injured.And in his first interview as an Arsenal player, Merino explained: “Winning trophies is the main thing here for everybody. They are obsessed with that.“You can see that winning is the main thing for us. That is something that helped me a lot to decide where I wanted to be.read more arsenal“The mentality that they have here is amazing, not only on the pitch, but at the training ground and how they focus on the single things, the details, the basics.“When I spoke to Mikel and I saw what was the plan, not only with me but the whole team, what was the culture, I felt this was the right place to be to take the next step in my career.“I want to grow up, I want to learn even more – and I think this is the right place to keep improving and keep winning.”Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz both scored in the first half to give Arteta’s Arsenal their first Euro win after drawing 0-0 away to Atalanta in their Champions League opener last month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMerino came on in the 64th minute against the Parisians and showed glimpses of what he will bring with some neat touches and key sliding challenges.He suffered his unfortunate injury during a training session at London Colney while competing for the ball with new teammate Gabriel.Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal’s win over PSG He attempted to carry on but the pain was too much and scans showed he had fractured his scapula. Merino explained: “It was such an unlucky moment.“If you see the action… I haven’t seen an injury like this ever in my career. It was really tough mentally to be honest.“You want to have a nice few days to show everybody what you are capable of, to show why they have put faith in you and then the first thing that happens is you break your scapula.“But, well, these are things that happen. Obviously it was not the best timing, but at the same time I like to look at the pros, the bright side of it.“This gave me a lot of time to think, to get to know my teammates, to get to know the staff, to work on myself, the things that I need to do in terms of tactics, in terms of physicality.“I am a much better player now than I was four weeks ago.”New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More