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      Finland star ready to face England after overcoming brain tumour and revealing ‘I was relaxed with it’

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      A FINNISH footballer is ready to hurt England – after overcoming a brain tumour.Ilmari Niskanen, 26, looks set to line up for his country at Wembley in the Nations League on Tuesday night.Ilmari Niskanen will hope to get a result for Finland at Wembley against EnglandCredit: Kenny RamsayHe is the only Finnish footballer currently plying his trade in England, playing as a wing-back for League One Exeter City. But it could have been very different after he suffered a seizure aged 18, just before his national service.A scan then revealed he had a brain tumour.But, incredibly, Niskanen kept his cool and took the whole recovery process in his stride. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 20-cap Finland international told The Times: “Of course, it was a big shock, but I was still reasonably relaxed with it.“It was difficult, especially for my family and for my friends but for some reason I was actually quite stress-free.“Throughout the process, I trusted the doctor. “I felt like I was really kind of looking forward to the surgery, to get rid of the tumour.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I remember even the night before the surgery, I was feeling really good, and I was just glad that I could go through it now and get the tumour removed and live my life normally. “The healthcare is so good that I was able to be so calm most of the time throughout the process.”Niskanen recovered and headed out on loan before a £300,000 transfer to German third-tier outfit FC Ingolstadt.But after losing his place in the starting XI, he missed out on a chance to represent his country at Euro 2020.He then headed to British shores, initially with Dundee United for two years before completing the switch to Exeter last year.And now he faces the tough task of trying to keep England’s attack quiet.However, his hopes of taking on Phil Foden and ex-Exeter man Ollie Watkins were dashed as the duo withdrew from Lee Carsley’s first England squad.And despite an impressive 2-0 win over Ireland in his opening game in interim charge, Niskanen sent a warning to Carsley.He added: “We are definitely confident that we are able to challenge them.“When I think about the Euros, for example, England were in the same group as Slovenia and drew.”We had Slovenia in our group in the Euro qualifications. A little bit more than a year ago, we beat Slovenia 2-0.”Niskanen added: “I love Finland so, so much. It’s just an incredible honour always to wear the shirt. “When you hear the national anthem, it’s immediately the goosebumps. Always.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone’s going to be watching the England game. All of my friends are going to be watching. Pretty much the whole of Finland is going to be watching. It’s something so special for the whole country.”Hopefully, one day, we will be in a major tournament again.”Meet the Finland WagsENGLAND welcome Finland to Wembley on Tuesday night.The Finnish full-back recovered from a brain tumourCredit: GettyThe wing-back joined Exeter from Dundee United in 2023Credit: Alamy More

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      ‘I’ve made it clear I want to go’, says Liverpool hero as star appears to take swipe at club’s transfer activity

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      CAOIMHIM KELLEHER says he has “made it clear” to Liverpool he wants to leave the club.The Irish keeper, 25, stepped in for the injured No1 Alisson last season and played 26 games in all competitions.Caoimhin Kelleher is urging Liverpool to let him leaveCredit: SportsfileArne Slot signed Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in the summerCredit: GettyBut Alisson returned for the final seven Premier League games of the campaign, before new Reds boss Arne Slot signed Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for £29million in the summer.Mamardashvili, 23, will not join Liverpool until next summer but is expected to be the long-term replacement for Brazil shot-stopper Alisson.And Kelleher, who started for Ireland in their 2-0 loss to England on Saturday, insists he feels it is the right time to leave Anfield.Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “I’ve made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a No1 and play week in, week out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The club’s made that decision to get another goalkeeper and from the outside looking in, it looks like they’ve made a decision to go in a different direction.”Liverpool rejected a £15million bid from Nottingham Forest for Kelleher in the January transfer window.He has also been linked with a move to Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic.And Italian giants Juventus were even mooted as a possible destination during the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKelleher played ten Premier League games last season in Alisson’s absenceNone of those ended up materialising, but not for Kelleher’s want of trying.He added: “Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like that’s 100 per cent my decision [to stay] but at times it’s not always in my hands.Watch frosty moment between Liverpool star Van Dijk and Man Utd striker Zirkzee in tunnel before Holland clash”It’s been reported that Liverpool have rejected a few bids as well.”My ambition is clear that I think I’m good enough and I want to go out and prove it.”Kelleher made seven saves against England but could do nothing about the goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.Celtic, Brighton and Forest are among the clubs continuing to be linked with him. More

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      Forgotten Premier League flop who earned £7m without playing a game reveals he became COACH while frozen out of team

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      HARRY ARTER has revealed he became a COACH while he was frozen out of the Nottingham Forest squad.The former Bournemouth midfielder earned £7million during his time out of the team.Harry Arter was exiled from Nottingham Forest’s squadCredit: GettyArter, 34, was signed by the club in 2020 but fell out of favour after just 13 appearances for the club.His contract was automatically extended following Forest’s promotion to the Premier League in 2022.It is claimed that he was earning £40,000-per-week during the time he was omitted by managers such as Steve Cooper and Nuno Espirito Santo.Arter was finally released by the club earlier this year and is now playing for Precision FC in Dubai.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has insisted that he was not prepared to walk away from his contract and still contributed by helping coaching sessions for the under-21s.He told Sunday World: “I look back now with no negativity about my time at Forest.”The playing side of things didn’t work out, I can’t deny that, but it was still great to be at the club at a time when they were on the up.”At first, it’s hard to be with the Under-21s, but I ended up helping out on the coaching sessions with them and had a great relationship with the coach Warren Joyce.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We still speak on a weekly basis now and I made some great friends at the club.”I also got on great with the manager Steve Cooper and he completely understood the position I was in with my contract.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelHarry Arter’s career by numbersHere is a look at Harry Arter’s career…Club:Charlton, 2007–2009 and 2021–2022 (Loan)Games: 7Goals: 0Staines Town, 2008 (Loan)Games: 4Goals: 0Welling United, 2009 (Loan)Games: 6Goals: 0Woking, 2009–2010Games: 36Goals 5AFC Bournemouth, 2010–2020Games: 256Goals: 29Carlisle United, 2011 (Loan)Games: 5Goals: 1Cardiff City, 2018–2019 (Loan)Games: 25Goals: 0Fulham, 2019–2020 (Loan)Games: 29Goals: 3Nottingham Forest, 2020–2024Games: 14Goals: 0Notts County, 2022 (Loan)Games: 9Goals: 0International:Republic of Ireland, 2015–2021Caps: 19Goals: 0Total:Games: 366Goals 33″The whole situation was taken out of my hands and I feel like I handled it as well as possible.”I was never fined for anything, I was never late for training, even though I knew I was never going to play.”So I was disappointed with some of the stories that came out about me because some of them were not true. I’m sure they were released to put me under pressure to leave.”One story claimed I turned down a pay-cut to leave or terminate my contract, but that never happened.”Another said I turned up for pre-season training overweight, but that was also wrong.”There was another saying I told a player, Dan Gosling, not to join the club, but that never happened either.”The simple reality was, they didn’t want me as a player and I wasn’t prepared to walk away from my contract.”So we got into a position that no one could get out of.”Arter has insisted that he still has plenty of moments from his career that he looks back on fondly.He added: “The last few years at Forest have not been easy, but I don’t want that to be what I remember from my football career because there were so many fantastic moments.”When I wasn’t playing at Forest, it made me appreciate all the opportunities I had been given in my career and how lucky I was to be at Bournemouth at the start of their rise towards the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES”At the end of it all, I played in the Premier League, I played international football for Ireland and I’ve had some amazing moments to look back on.”That’s what I prefer to remember.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Piers Morgan slams ‘complete idiot’ Erik ten Hag in astonishing rant against Man Utd boss about Cristiano Ronaldo

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      ERIK TEN HAG has been slammed by Piers Morgan in an astonishing rant.The broadcaster called the Manchester United manager a “complete idiot” after launching into a tirade whilst discussing Cristiano Ronaldo.Piers Morgan has slammed Erik ten Hag in an astonishing rantCredit: GettyManchester United boss Ten Hag was called a ‘complete idiot’ by Morgan during his tiradeCredit: GettyThe broadcaster’s rant was prompted by discussing Cristiano Ronaldo’s performancesCredit: GettyMorgan did not hold back in his assessment of Ten Hag, who is already under pressure this season.He infamously interviewed Ronaldo in November 2022 prior to his controversial Old Trafford exit.Appearing on talkSPORT, Morgan praised the 39-year-old’s performances during the international break.Ronaldo’s strikes against Croatia and Scotland have seen him pass the landmark of 900 career goals.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHowever, when asked why Ten Hag allowed Ronaldo to leave United for Saudi Arabia, the TalkTV presenter exclaimed: “Ten Hag is a complete idiot. I’m sorry, he is, he has been since he went there (United).”He even took aim at the Dutchman’s recent comments following United’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool, adding: “He talks complete gibberish, he’s now banging on about Harry Potter or something.”As for his now iconic chat with Ronaldo in the build-up to the 2022 World Cup, Morgan said: “Ten Hag is everything Ronaldo told me he was in that interview that led to him leaving United.”Ronaldo criticised the club and his treatment by the Red Devils boss amid the straining of his relationship with Ten Hag.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe ultimately left United before signing for Al-Nassr after just 13 appearances under the former Ajax boss.Morgan continued to hit out at Ten Hag, fuming: “You know the problem with Ten Hag? He’s like that bossy little school teacher you get who doesn’t know how to handle supreme academic talent. Watch moment pitch invader joins Portugal attack before ‘trying to hug Cristiano Ronaldo’… and steward has a nightmareMorgan sat down with Ronaldo for an explosive interview in 2022 which led to his United exitCredit: TalkTVTen Hag has lost two of his three Premier League matches already this seasonCredit: Getty”You look at the players he’s been unable to handle at United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford – it’s all the top players.”He can handle the lesser ones, he can handle the guys he brings in from Ajax who’ve never been on the big world stage, but he cannot handle top players.”I can’t believe I’m saying this, as it’s a miracle, but United have got worse than they were last season and there are two hopes for United of getting the top four this season – no hope and Bob Hope, and Bob Hope’s been dead about 20 years.”United have lost two of their first three Premier League matches following an eighth placed finish last term.Meanwhile, Ronaldo has scored 62 goals in 68 appearances for Al-Nassr since joining the Saudi Pro League side.His goals in the Nations League over the last week have also taken his career tally to 901 for club and country.Ronaldo scored just three goals in 13 United appearances under Ten HagCredit: ReutersThe 39-year-old’s two goals during the international break have taken his career tally to 901Credit: Getty More

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      Kylian Mbappe slammed over ‘inappropriate and embarrassing’ press conference after France’s defeat to Italy

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has been slammed as “inappropriate and embarrassing” for his press conference after France lost to Italy.Les Blues were defeated 3-1 at the Parc des Princes in their Nations League fixture.Kylian Mbappe insisted he does not listen to criticism after France’s defeat to ItalyCredit: AFPHis comments were slammed by France legend Bixente LizarazuCredit: GettyBradley Barcola netted in the opening minute for the hosts before the Italians stormed back with three goals to snatch victory.Mbappe, 24, struggled to show his best form in the match as he failed to score and was booed by the home supporters.However, the Real Madrid star did not seem to be bothered about being criticised for his performance.Speaking in his post-match press conference, he insisted he does not “care” about what people “think” about him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “I’m at a stage in my life and my career where I no longer care [about criticism].”I come, I play and I try to do my best to help the team.”What people think is the least of my worries.”The forward’s comments have upset French legend Bixente Lizarazu, who does not think his comments are appropriate for a captain.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLizarazu said: “Kylian Mbappe’s press conference surprised and embarrassed me.”The words used were inappropriate, not those of a leader and even less those of a captain.Watch Cristiano Ronaldo play ‘pick the better player’ out of stars including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and MbappeMbappe was unable to stop France from losing to ItalyCredit: Reuters”You cannot be insensitive to the feelings of the fans of the French team, to the frustrations they may harbour, to the questions they may have.”You have to try to answer them, give them hope, that is part of the work and the emotional bond you have to have with your audience.”Lizarazu, 54, enjoyed a trophy-filled career in which he won six Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich.He also earned 97 caps for France, in which he won the World Cup in 1998 and the Euros in 2000.Mbappe joined Real Madrid in the summer after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired.He has already notched three goals in five appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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      England vs Finland free betting tips: Back our 6/1 Bet Builder and claim £50 in free bets with Betfred

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      ENGLAND welcome Finland to Wembley for the second group game of this year’s Nations League.Our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the international encounter, which Betfred have priced up at a generous 6/1.Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*England vs FinlandOur Bet Builder selections: Eberechi Eze to score anytime, over 3.5 goals and over 9.5 corners.Back our 6/1 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections:Eberechi Eze to score: Scored in last two Crystal Palace games before this international break and was given 15 minutes off the bench on Saturday. Can expect more of an appearance here and fancied to make it count.Over 3.5 goals: England crying out for more goals and a thumping win is on the cards. Finland conceded three times to Greece a couple of days ago and England can beat that.Over 9.5 corners: Should be all-attack from the Three Lions and pacey wingers generally brings about chances for corners. Greece racked up six against the Finns. Not a huge number to hit.Back our 6/1 Bet BuilderRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      England vs Finland odds: Price boosts and specials offers for Three Lions’ Nations League clash

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      MATCHDAY two of the Nations League comes England’s way on Tuesday with a home game against Finland.Lee Carsley’s tenure started with a solid 2-0 win at Ireland in League B2 and he’ll be keen for his side to build on that.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereFinland lost 3-0 at Greece on matchday one and come here as huge outsiders.It’s another big game for the Three Lions, so we’ve carefully selected some of the best price boosts and special offers for existing customers from our betting partners.Price boosts and specials offers for England vs Finland in the Nations LeagueWilliam HillOur partners over at William Hill have some top price boosts across football. We’ve selected our favourite couple which you can back below!Kane to score, England to win & both teams to score – was 3/1, NOW 7/2 – CLAIM HEREEngland to win 3-0 or 3-1 – was 11/4, NOW 10/3 – CLAIM HEREHarry Maguire to score a header – was 9/1, NOW 12/1 – CLAIM HEREtalkSPORT BETtalkSPORT BET also have a selection of price boosts for the game at Wembley! Here’s some of those on offer:Kane to score, England over 3.5 goals & England to win to nil – was 22/5, NOW 5/1 – CLAIM HEREKane & Grealish to score anytime & England to win 3-0 or 4-0 – was 11/1, NOW 13/1 – CLAIM HERERemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      England vs Finland: Get £30 in free bets to spend on the Nations League with talkSPORT BET

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      ENGLAND are back in Nations League action against Finland on Tuesday, looking to make it two wins from two under Lee Carsley.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a massive £30 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the Wembley showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..talkSPORT BET offerVisit the talkSPORT BET website HERE*Create your account via mobileOpt-In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any sports market at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOn settlement of your qualifying bet, you will receive £30 in free bets to spend on selected marketstalkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets – Claim here*Not yet got yourself a talkSPORT BET account? Terrific, you can claim this offer!Simply register an account, deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater. Once that’s settled – your account will be credited with £30 in free bets!You could decide to use your free bets on Tuesday’s Nations League clash between England and Finland, and below are some of our expert picks and top prices with talkSPORT BET.GoalsThe attacking options Carsley has at his disposal continues to be mind-blowing.Getting the best of them? That’s the challenge he takes on after Gareth Southgate failed to in the big moments.A big score here could show he’s capable – and it really should come.Finland conceded thrice to Greece the other night, that’s what they’re up against.Match goals over 3.5 at 13/10 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERE*18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More