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      Cole Palmer sends 10-word message over slump in form as Chelsea star struggles against Southampton

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      COLE PALMER has sent a ten-word message to fans after his struggles continued against Southampton.The Blues ran out 4-0 winners over the Premier League basement club at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.Cole Palmer shared a 10-word statement after Chelsea’s win over SouthamptonCredit: RexThe midfielder drew another blank on the pitchCredit: ReutersEnzo Maresca’s side outclassed the Saints as Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella all scored.But is was yet another outing that drew a blank from Palmer as his form continues to falter.Palmer, 22, has failed to score or assist in any of his last seven outings in all competitions.He looked dejected at full-time following the win over Southampton despite the big win.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe attacking midfielder has insisted that he “will be back” in a social media post after the match.He wrote: “Well done lads, +3. Don’t worry, I will be back.”Fans have backed Palmer to return to the scintillating form that he has previously shown.One posted: “Cold Palmer as always.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second wrote: “He has been working hard and doing a lot of things correctly, the goals and assists will come soon.”A third commented: “He will be back as his best.”Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea fans to show trust after BlueCo protest A fourth said: “We really want to see Palmer back.”Another added: “You got this, Cole!”The dip comes despite Palmer becoming one of the most impressive players in the Premier League.Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, he has scored 39 goals and added 21 assists.Maresca has insisted that Palmer’s slump is perfectly normal as players can not be on top form every game.He said: “It is quite easy. All of them, they went through some bad moments, it is normal.”You cannot expect every season or game, it is normal. He is a human being.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He misses goals, he misses some things, it is about how you react I was telling him it’s OK.”Despite Palmer’s recent struggles on the pitch, he is still the club’s top scorer and top assister in the Premier League this season.Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror grade More

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      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand ‘storms off set’ live on TNT Sports and says ‘that’s out of order’ after ‘rubbish’ comment

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      RIO FERDINAND jokingly stormed off set after being asked for his thoughts on a “rubbish” comment.The TNT Sports team of Joe Cole, Peter Crouch, Ally McCoist and Ferdinand were answering questions from fans before Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Southampton last night.Rio Ferdinand stormed off the TNT Sports set after Man Utd were brought upCredit: TNT sportsHis fellow pundits were left in hystericsCredit: TNT SPORTSOne viewer wrote in to say that Manchester United will not win the title for 30 years.As the tweet was read out by host Lynsey Hipgrave, Ferdinand hilariously walked off camera.As he stormed off, the former defender shouted with a smile: “You are out of order. That is out of order. We are not even playing tonight.”That is a load of rubbish, who was that? Who sent that in?”READ MORE ON MAN UTDAsked how long it will take before the glory days return to Old Trafford, Cole said: “30 years is a long time, you would say no chance but the way things are going up there.”I certainly can’t see it in ten years. I would be comfortable saying ten years. They won’t win the title for ten years.”McCoist crunched the numbers, adding: “The last time they won it, that was 12 years. So if you are talking ten that is 22 years.”Ferdinand was again having none of it, hitting back: “Alright, Al. You’ve come alive, doing the maths.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCrouch said: “I can’t see them winning anything in five years.”Man Utd last lifted the Premier League title at the end of the 2012/13 season when Ferdinand was still part of the squad. ‘He’s got a pair of b——s,’ says Rio Ferdinand as he hits back at Roy Keane’s criticism of Man Utd star GarnachoThe club are currently on course for their worst ever season as they languish 15th in the table.With just 30 points after 26 games, they are a whopping 34 behind league leaders Liverpool.Ferdinand ripped into the Ruben Amorim’s side after their 2-2 draw to Everton on Saturday, saying: “I don’t know if I have seen a United team this bad. “It has been embarrassing in all different facets of the game.“Yes, we can talk about quality, you talk about talent, but one thing which is unforgivable is a lack of desire.“There’s instances in this game where Man Utd need to look at this Everton team and take examples from it. It’s embarrassing to sit here and watch it.“I hope [Amorim] went absolutely ballistic at the players. They were out-run, out-fought, out-jumped, every single department of the game. They were second best.” More

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      Popular footballer, 19, dies suddenly as devastated teammates pay tribute to ‘well loved & much valued player’

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      A PROMISING young footballer has tragically died, prompting a flood of tributes from his teammates.Vini Desouza, 19, joined Warrington Town FC in 2023 and was a “prominent part” of the under 21s team.Vini Desouza, 19, died suddenly and teammates have shared emotional tributesCredit: Instagram/@warringtontownfcHe was born in Brazil but moved to Walkden, Salford ten years ago and joining Warrington Town FC in 2023.The club released a statement saying Vini was a “scorer of the most spectacular goals” and a “much-loved member of the club.”Despite being only 19, his talent earned him a spot on the first team.Teammate Sam Gill said: “Vini was a well-loved and much valued player in our team. Read more News”He grew into his character as his time at Warrington went on, and all of the lads had so much respect for him.”He was an extremely talented footballer with so much ability, had a major impact coming in with us and consequently earning his space for training and playing matches with the first team.”Vini is someone who will be missed dearly, both on the pitch and more importantly his character in the changing rooms and outside of football. “We will all miss him, and we send our condolences to his family at this difficult time.”Most read in FootballThe team, who play in the sixth tier National League North, went ahead with their football match at Macclesfield less than 24 hours after finding out about Vini’s tragic death.They won 4-1 and said it was “in tribute to him.”The youth football club shared a post on Facebook: “Warrington Town are saddened to report the passing of youth team player Vini Desouza.”Vini was a well respected and much-loved member of the club, and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this time.”Those who knew Vini have set up a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs. Sharing the link, one person shared: “With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Vini, who left us far too soon. “He wasn’t just a friend—he was like family. “We shared unforgettable moments together, from training and playing to summer adventures. His kindness, energy, and bright spirit touched so many lives, including ours.”For those who knew Vini, you understand the incredible person he was. The JustGiving page was set up to raise a thousand pounds for Vini’s family but heartfelt tributes have poured in and the fundraiser has already far surpassed its goal.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The laughter, the passion, the friendship—these are the memories we will cherish forever,” the post continued.”We will miss him deeply, more than words can express.”The teenager was a ‘scorer of the most spectacular goals’ and a ‘much-loved member of the club’Credit: JustGiving More

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      Former Man Utd star, 47, who became a monk after growing bored of footballer lifestyle opens up on living in monastery

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      A FORMER Manchester United midfielder has opened up on life after swapping football for a career as a priest.Phil Mulryne, 47, played just five times for the Red Devils after coming through the academy before starring for the likes of Norwich and Cardiff.Phil Mulryne has revealed how he keeps up with Man Utd despite a stunning career changeCredit: PA:Empics SportThe midfielder is now a catholic priest after admitting he was bored of the footballer lifestyleCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe decided to hang up his boots in 2008.But in 2017, the 27-cap Northern Irish international went down a stunning new career path by becoming a Catholic priest.Mulryne had revealed at the time how he had grown “dissatisfied with the whole lifestyle”, where he once earned over £500,000 a year and dated models, including Nicola Chapman.And he has now opened up about his life’s second coming and how it compares to his old job as a footballer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told Belfast Live: “I live in a monastery, so I am more of a monk, really. And it’s not on the surface, but there are a lot of the qualities there.”They were saying, sacrifice, giving yourself to something greater than you, in the sense that I live in a community of brothers, there are 15 of us in the monastery.”So there is a sense of dependence on each other, the kind of things that Man Utd taught me, all these virtues and characteristics that you learn from being here.”I have a superior in the monastery that I answer to, like a manager, like a gaffer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”All these things have been great. I had a most wonderful career. It was a dream to come here and play.”He also revealed how he keeps up with watching Ruben Amorim’s side – not that there has been much to write home about.Federico Macheda says he’d get into this Man Utd team and reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s amazing claim about himMulryne, whose full title now is Reverend Father Philip Mulryne, added: “We don’t have TV in the monastery. “We have a room with a couple of computers, so I watch the three-minute highlights. “I get all the highlights, so I keep in touch with it.”Mulryne also revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson had called him while he was in hospital after he suffered a horror leg break a year after joining Norwich.He previously told the official Norwich website that he had no regrets over the decision, admitting the move to become a priest came after he volunteered at a homeless shelter.Mulryne explained: “It’s hard to pin down a particular moment. “I would say it started in my last year at Norwich, not explicitly and I wasn’t thinking about it at that time but I started to get dissatisfied with the whole lifestyle.”We have a wonderful life as a footballer and I was very privileged, but I found with all the surrounding stuff that eventually there was a kind of emptiness with it. “I was quite shocked – why am I not happy when I have everything that young men want?”It started me on a journey towards exploring my faith again, the faith that I had as a young man. “I took a decision to come home for a year and it was really during that year that everything turned upside down.”I volunteered at a homeless shelter for a while. I started going back to mass and I started praying again on a regular basis. I just found a real sense of fulfilment with it. “Football was huge highs and lows and here was something that was giving me a steady sense of contentment…”My vocation to priesthood and religious life came later in the course of that year – I felt this strong desire for this way of life and I stayed with it for a few months and then got the courage up to explore it and I took the decision and it’s now eight years later.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPeter Crouch, who played with Mulryne at Norwich, wrote in his book, How to Be an Ex-Footballer, that he believes his giddiness was part of the reason the midfielder ended up becoming a priest.Crouch said: “Maybe — and this is a possibility I don’t like to entertain — it was hanging out with me in those giddy months that convinced him he needed a fresh direction in his life.”Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure. More

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      ‘He wasn’t pleased to see me’ – Graham Potter reveals awkward encounter on tube after West Ham’s win over Arsenal

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      GRAHAM POTTER stayed grounded after West Ham’s stunning victory at Arsenal – by taking the London Underground.Man of the people Potter was spotted on the Jubilee Line on Saturday, a couple of hours after Jarrod Bowen’s goal left the Gunners’ title bid in ruins.Graham Potter inspired West Ham to an impressive victory at ArsenalCredit: ReutersThe Hammers boss even met a disappointed Gunners fan as he headed into central London.Potter, 49, said: “He wasn’t that pleased to see me. He was with his lad, so we had a bit of banter.”I apologised but I didn’t apologise, ‘sorry but I’m not really sorry’. I just kept my head down. I thought I avoided attention – but I didn’t!”Potter, who seems to have got West Ham on the right track, insists he will continue to take the Tube – even after a defeat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I’m not a fan of driving in London, it isn’t isn’t very relaxing. Anyone living in London knows the traffic isn’t great.”There’s cameras everywhere so you’re not sure if you’re driving at the right speed, so sometimes the tube is the best way.”Everybody’s very nice and polite and gives you some space, and if anyone wants a picture I’m happy to do that – as long as they’re not wanting to give me a punch on the nose.”I’ve always tried to travel on the Tube, I quite enjoy it to be fair.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPotter will hope that Saturday’s brilliant win will kick-start his career as West Ham boss.The victory was just his second in seven matches at the helm since replacing Julen Lopetegui.Mikel Arteta bizarrely hints Arsenal should be mid-table but still won’t give up on title West Ham will be back in action against Leicester at London Stadium tomorrow night.Speaking ahead of the game, Potter said: “In the Premier League, every game is complicated and every game is tough.”The opponent has always got something to fight for, always got something to prove, always got some quality against you.“That’s the case with Leicester. They’ll be looking to turn their fortunes around. We have to have a humility and a respect for the opponent, which we have.”Potter, 49, spoke ahead of his side’s clash with LeicesterCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Special’ Sir Alex Ferguson called me out of the blue after seven years – I regret defying him at Man Utd

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      FEDERICO MACHEDA always knew Sir Alex Ferguson was a special manager.But an unexpected phone call out of the blue this month – seven years after they last spoke – confirmed how much of a special man he is too.Sir Alex Ferguson reached out to get in touch with Federico Macheda this monthCredit: AFP – GettyMacheda rose to fame with the dramatic winner on his Manchester United debut aged 17Credit: AFP – GettyMacheda was all smiles as he told SunSport about his surprise phone callCredit: Asteras TripolisAnd it hit home again how much the Italian striker regrets defying his legendary boss’ advice at Manchester United.Macheda made his name in April 2009 with his famous injury-time winner against Aston Villa at Old Trafford as a 17-year-old debutant.He then grabbed the decisive goal against Sunderland a week later as the Red Devils won the Premier League from Liverpool by four points.The teenage wonderkid’s United career, though, did not live up to the early excitement as Macheda struggled for regular first-team minutes.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe went on three loans during Ferguson’s reign before two more following the gaffer’s retirement in 2013, then eventually left permanently for Cardiff in 2014.His journeyman career includes spells in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus and he is now back in Greece with European-chasing Asteras Tripolis.So nearly 12 years after they stopped working together, Macheda was taken aback when an unknown number phoned him earlier in February… and it was that iconic Glaswegian accent on the other end.Macheda, 33, told SunSport: “All of a sudden I had a surprise call from him while I was driving with my wife.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“She said, ‘Stop the car.’ I didn’t have his number saved.“We hadn’t spoken for six or seven years.How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’ “Sir Alex called me just to know how I was, asking about my life, my family, my son, getting married.“We had a very easy, good conversation about Greece, my time at Manchester United, United at the moment for seven or eight minutes.“This surprise call made me understand that this guy is something else.“He was always amazing with me but to speak to him lately was great because he keeps following his players. It made my day because I owe him so much.”As with many young talents, Macheda signed for Manchester United because of Ferguson’s personal appeal.His quality in the Lazio academy impressed a scout so when the Red Devils played at Roma in the Champions League quarter-finals in April 2007, classy Fergie reached out.Macheda explained: “I was away with Italy Under-16s. Sir Alex invited my family to the hotel. They spoke about everything.“Sir Alex gave my family a United shirt with my name and the No9.“My father called me and told me that the situation was serious. He told me to leave everything. It’s not every day Sir Alex does these kinds of things.“At 15, I never thought I would leave Rome for another country, another city, my friends and family. But after this, I was convinced.”Federico Macheda’s career in numbersCLUB (ALL COMPS)2008–2014 – Manchester United: 36 appearances (5 goals)2011 – Sampdoria (loan): 16 (1)2012 – Queens Park Rangers (loan): 6 (0)2013 – VfB Stuttgart (loan): 18 (0)2013–2014 – Doncaster Rovers (loan): 15 (3)2014 – Birmingham City (loan): 18 (10)2014–2016 – Cardiff City: 33 (8)2016 – Nottingham Forest (loan): 3 (0) 2016–2018 – Novara: 52 (11)2018–2022 – Panathinaikos: 116 (40)2022–2024 – Ankaragucu: 41 (6)2023 – APOEL (loan): 17 (2)2024– – Asteras Tripolis: 21 (6)INTERNATIONAL2006–2007 – Italy U16: 10 (2)2007–2008 – Italy U17: 3 (0)2009 – Italy U19: 1 (0)2009–2012 – Italy U21: 10 (4)HONOURSManchester UnitedPremier League: 2008-09, 2010-11League Cup: 2009–10Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year: 2008–09PanathinaikosGreek Cup: 2021–22Macheda officially joined United in September 2007, the month after turning 16, and made his memorable bow two years on from that hotel meeting.Ferguson’s strikeforce featured Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez and a teenage Danny Welbeck as they battled rivals Liverpool for the 2008-09 Premier League.But a shortage ahead of the must-win Villa clash meant Ferguson turned to Macheda.He said: “The strikers had some problems: Rooney suspended, Tevez coming back from Argentina and Berbatov injured.“So Sir Alex came to me on the Wednesday at Carrington and said if I did well that night in the reserves at St James’ Park, I had a good chance of being in the first team on Sunday. I was shocked.“That night I scored a hat-trick and made sure this was my moment.”Lo and behold, Ferguson named Macheda on the bench against Villa and, trailing 2-1 on the hour mark, summoned him – although the youngster initially thought Fergie was calling for Welbeck next to him.The rest is history.Ronaldo equalised then in the 93rd minute, Macheda received Ryan Giggs’ pass, turned with a brilliant backheel then curled a perfect finish inside the far post beyond Brad Friedel, sparking wild scenes.Macheda insists he has never seen dressing room celebrations like it since as Fergie hugged his golden boy and United’s biggest stars kissed the hero.Macheda also got the winner against SunderlandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHis two goals helped United win the title by four points from LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe striker knows Ferguson had a special affection for himCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdFerguson still keeps an eye on how his former prodigy is getting on all these years laterCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesMacheda managed five goals in 36 United appearances in totalCredit: ReutersHis instinctive goal against Sunderland helped Ferguson boldly declare Macheda was the best finisher at the club at the time.The Scot clearly had a special affection for the young Rome native and held high hopes for his Old Trafford career to flourish into much more than five goals in 36 appearances.But Macheda admits he didn’t understand the mentality and effort required to fulfil his potential.And going against his gaffer’s wisdom on the best steps for his development still pains the striker.Macheda first went out on loan to Sampdoria for the second half of the 2010-11 season before brief stints with QPR and Stuttgart under Fergie’s watch.But he was too young and naive to realise it was not because Ferguson was giving up on him.I regret it. Sir Alex knew better and I didn’t. I was a kid.Federico MachedaMacheda added: “Sir Alex liked me a lot and told everybody I was the best finisher in the club.“His plan was to make me play every week and come back ready for the first team.“I didn’t want to go on loan because I was playing more than previous years and thought my development was going well.“I was a little bit disappointed but said, ‘OK, if that’s what he wants, I have to do it.’“I had seven or eight offers from the Premier League. Sir Alex tried to convince me to stay there to see me up close but I had an offer from Italy and decided to go.“Now I regret it but at that moment, it was my decision.“I thought going on loan for six months was nothing. I was wrong. Six-month loans never helped me.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Sir Alex didn’t react badly. He just gave me the OK. He knew better and I didn’t. I was a kid.“You should listen to people who know better about everything.”Macheda struggled for game time as he faced competition from some of the world’s best strikersCredit: Action Images – ReutersFerguson wanted the youngster to go on loan in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyMacheda decided to join Sampdoria but the loan went badly and he never fully recoveredCredit: GettyHis string of temporary deals included a stint at DoncasterCredit: PA:Empics SportMacheda is enjoying his football now at Greek side Asteras TripolisCredit: Asteras TripolisHe hopes to power his new team back into EuropeCredit: Asteras TripolisMacheda has now saved Fergie’s phone numberMacheda scored against Aston Villa again in November 2010Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe eventually left United in 2014 and played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at CardiffCredit: PA:Press AssociationMacheda sat down with SunSport at Asteras Tripolis’ stadiumCredit: Asteras TripolisFederico Macheda’s goal vs Aston VillaFEDERICO MACHEDA’S life changed forever when he scored a 93rd-minute winner to secure a crucial 3-2 win over Aston Villa on April 5, 2009.Sent on for Nani at 2-1 down, Macheda came up trumps with his epic turn and finish into the corner – a goal that lives long in the memory for all United fans. Here’s what Macheda remembers of that special day…On finding out he would play“We were short of strikers because Rooney, Tevez and Berbatov were unavailable. We had a reserve game at Newcastle on the Wednesday. Sir Alex said if I did well I might be in the first team on Sunday. I scored a hat-trick. Against Villa we were 2-1 down and on 60 minutes he called to me. I thought he was calling Danny Welbeck but he shouted again. It was my time. I went on and I was so sure of myself. I told all my friends that if I played, I would score.”On the finish“It just came in a moment. My technical abilities were pretty good. At this moment I wasn’t thinking about too much when I had the ball. It just came and I knew I had the chance to try and do something good. My instinct told me to do this. It was perfect.”On Martin Tyler’s commentary“The goal and the commentary are iconic. It’s the moment and the celebration from the fans. It’s something that remains. It’s not easy to have those kinds of moments in football.”On the dressing room“The dressing room was electrifying. When you win a game, it should be like this. But it was more than this. I was all over the place. I don’t know if I’ve seen this atmosphere again. Everybody was coming around me, kissing me, hugging me. Big players came to me to celebrate me. Sir Alex hugged me.”On the man-of-the-match champagne and celebrations“I didn’t drink it, I still haven’t. Gary Neville gave it to me afterwards. But I never drank it. Now it’s in my family’s house. My mother and father still love it. We went to a restaurant with my family. My goal was showing everywhere. I felt shy to see myself on TV. Everybody was talking about the goal.”On the goal’s legacy “It’s part of me of course. It was probably the most famous goal I scored. For sure it changed my life. My target when I went to Manchester was to play only one time for this club in this stadium. I was dreaming about a moment like this. Maybe that moment was even better than my dreams. Because everything was perfect.” More

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      Bundesliga 2 star left covered in blood and needs stitches after kneeing himself in the face and collapsing to floor

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      BUNDESLIGA 2 star Enzo Leopold was left in a bloody mess after remarkably kneeing himself in the face.The crazy injury occurred during Hannover 96’s match against Paderborn last Saturday.Bundesliga 2 star Enzo Leopold remarkably kneed himself in the faceCredit: Sport1The Hannover star was treated at the side of the pitch but was able to continueCredit: RexSome blood was seen coming from his eyebrowCredit: RexLeopold, 24, was attempting to get his foot up to control a ball when he was shoved in the back by rival midfielder Santiago Castaneda.The push ended up pushing his face towards his knee, where they remarkably collided.Cameras saw blood coming from the midfielder’s eyebrow.Play had briefly continued before referee Florian Lechner told Leopold to get treatment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTwo medics treated the wound pitchside with tissues before placing him on his back on the floor.Leopold was able to return to the field with some blood coming from the injury, but far less than before.He eventually only left the field of play in the 89th minute, being replaced by English defender Josh Knight.Hannover took a 1–0 lead after just four minutes through Marcel Halstenberg.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Paderborn equalised through Adriano Grimaldi seconds after Leopold left the pitch to see the game end 1-1.It was Hannover’s fifth draw on the bounce, a run which left them down in eighth place and dropping away in the hunt for promotion.Bundesliga match suspended after goalkeeper struck by lighter thrown from crowdThe club currently sit on 35 points, six points behind the automatic promotion spots and four points behind the promotion play-off spot.Hannover last played in the German top flight in 2019. More

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      Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez fined for ‘violating’ MLS rules in opening match of Inter Miami’s season

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      LIONEL Messi and Luis Suarez have both been FINED for “violating” a little known MLS rule.The Inter Miami duo were hit with an undisclosed fine for their actions during a 2-2 draw with New York City FC in Saturday’s season opener.Messi has been fined for grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coachTeam-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy earlier in the matchMessi has been punished for grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coach during a post-match war of words.The World Cup winner was heading off the pitch before turning to confront coach Mehdi Ballouchy after the final whistle.Messi appeared agitated as the pair went back and forth, before the Argentine briefly rested his hand on Ballouchy’s neck, who pulled away from the superstar.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner began walking away, before turning around to hold onto the back of Ballouchy’s neck for a second time.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMessi had initially fumed at referee Rosendo Mendoza at full-time, and was handed a post-match yellow card on his way down the tunnel for his outburst. Ballouchy then appeared to say something to the Inter Miami captain, sparking to a fiery exchange between the pair.Team-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy earlier in the match.Suarez pinched the back of Norwegian defender Birk Risa’s neck in an incident at half-time. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe precise amount each player was fined is unclear.The MLS said in a statement that their disciplinary committee had ruled that the former Barcelona stars had violated the league’s “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy.”Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures Messi had just set-up a stoppage time equaliser for team-mate Telasco Segovia in the 2-2 draw at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadim.He also assisted Tomas Aviles’ early goal before the latter was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Aviles dragged down NYC FC forward Alonso Martinez from behind as he was in on the goalkeeper.It comes after a referee in charge of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions League opener was disciplined after asking for Messi’s shirt after their game against Sporting KC.Messi scored the winning goal in their first leg, a 1-0 win that was played in frigid, single-digit temperatures in Kansas City.Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava was reportedly slapped with a six-month ban after asking Messi for his autograph, according to The Mail. More