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      Serie A star Joan Gonzalez forced to retire aged just 23 with rare heart condition after club doctor ‘saved his life’

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      SERIE A star Joan Gonzalez has been forced to retire aged 23 due to a heart condition.The former Barcelona academy starlet joined Lecce from the Catalan giants in 2021.Joan Gonzalez has been forced to hang up his bootsCredit: GettyGonzalez did not feature last season, after a congenital heart condition was detected in the summer of 2024.Following recent further tests, the midfielder was forced to hang up his boots.Explaining the situation, club president Sticchi Damiani said: “He will not receive medical clearance.”The season began, unfortunately, with a major obstacle: the bad news about Joan Gonzalez, who failed his medical.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We called him back after a year for a new check-up, which took place a few days ago, and the situation remains the same.”Damiani was then full of praise for Lecce’s medical staff.The Italian continued: “A round of applause to our medical team, to Dr. Tondo, because they detected a congenital condition that is very difficult to diagnose.”It’s a case study. Thanks to that, the boy’s life was saved.”Most read in FootballDamiani also gushed over Gonzalez’s professionalism and ability.The Lecce chief added: “He has faced it with a balance, serenity and intelligence that make us think he would have been a great footballer.”Newcastle confirm first summer signing after pipping Barcelona, Real Madrid and Porto to Spanish wonderkidDamiani then admitted that he believes Gonzalez will become a “great manager”.The Spaniard played 66 times for Lecce’s first team, scoring twice.Gonzalez’s final appearance came on May 26, 2024 – in his side’s 0-0 draw with Napoli on the final day of the 2023-24 season.Gonzalez had to sit out of the 24-25 seasonCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Unfinished business’ – Ian Wright urges Arsenal to sign former Premier League star valued at £50million

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      IAN WRIGHT has urged former club Arsenal to buy Ademola Lookman this summer.The Gunners are seeking to bolster their attack following three consecutive runner-up finishes.Ademola Lookman has impressed since moving to ItalyCredit: GettyLookman, 27, has had previous Premier League spells with Everton, Fulham and Leicester – with mixed fortunes.Since moving to Atalanta in 2022, the winger has gone from strength to strength – winning the Europa League and finishing 14th in the Ballon d’Or last year.Wright, 61, believes that Lookman would be well placed to improve Mikel Arteta’s front line.On his Wrighty’s House podcast, the former forward said: “I’m going to go with Ademola Lookman winning the African Player of the Year in respects of that man’s journey.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember him from Charlton, it didn’t work out [the] £10million [move] to Everton, then moving all over the place, the journey from loan to this, then I think that’s one of the most devastating performances I’ve seen in any final with that hat-trick he scored.”You know, it’s just… I can’t help but look at his dark moment where it would have been dark for him. You know, especially all those loans going to another country.”And you know what? He never had no problem going wherever he needed to go to find it.”And then obviously, like you say, you find your place. Like Scott McTominay’s found that, like he [Lookman] found with Atalanta.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I hope we can buy him, Arsenal.”I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘listen, I have unfinished business here so I am going to help Arsenal win the league’.Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini slams Ademola Lookman for his penalty skills “But I just admire his journey and now he’s recognised rightly as a top player, unbelievable.”SunSport recently revealed that Lookman has admirers at Arsenal.Some Gunners chiefs, however, are concerned about his age – believing that at 27 Lookman may have already peaked.In addition to Arsenal, Liverpool are keeping tabs on the £50m-rated former Evertonian. More

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      David Brooks to become a dad for first time just four years after Bournemouth and Wales star beat cancer

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      DAVID BROOKS feels “lucky” he will become a dad – fearing it would never happen after his cancer diagnosis.The Bournemouth winger’s wife Flora revealed last weekend she is pregnant, with the pair expecting their first baby in November.David Brooks is set to become a father for the first timeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/db_36/?hl=enThe Bournemouth star feared it wouldn’t happen after battling cancerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/db_36/?hl=enBrooks’ wife Flora revealed the joyous news onlineCredit: https://www.instagram.com/db_36/?hl=enBrooks revealed the possibility of parent life was in doubt when he battled stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2021.The 27-year-old said: “When I was diagnosed, I had those conversations and there was never any guarantees that I would be able to have children in the future.”There was a chance that it wouldn’t have been possible. I was really lucky that it’s happened naturally.”After the treatment, everything has gone back to normal. I’m really happy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I always wanted to start a family. My wife and I always wanted kids at some point.“My situation took it out of my hands, so it’s very nice that everything has happened naturally and progressed into being a family.”I’m really looking forward to it and I know my wife is, even though she’s the pregnant one and going through all that.”I’m delighted – there were a few tears and now we’re really looking forward to it. We’re still a few months away – but I can’t wait.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBefore Brooks has to contend with nappies and sleepless nights, the Cherries attacker aims to extend Craig Bellamy’s unbeaten start to life as Wales boss.The Dragons have now gone eight matches without defeat and expect to make that nine at home to Liechtenstein in Cardiff tomorrow.Premier League club move into incredible new home that resembles futurist James Bond villain lairBrooks has returned to action for both Bournemouth and WalesCredit: GettyBut then Wales face a tough trip to Group J favourites Belgium on Monday night.Brooks ensured Bellamy has not tasted a loss yet with a 96th-minute equaliser in North Macedonia in March.He added: “It instills a bit of fear into who we are playing because other teams know we aren’t going to give up. It’s a massive positive.”It gives us confidence and makes the opposition wary.”Brooks made 33 appearances for Bournemouth across all competitions last season – but that included just 12 starts.The wideman said: “It’s always a bit frustrating. I had a good patch of starting games and I thought I was playing well.“I’ve been out a long time and that was the reason I went out on loan to Southampton last year.“But I don’t want to get to the end of my career and have half of my appearances on the bench.Read More on The Sun”I’m always looking to play more games and looking to make the best impact at club level when I get the opportunity.”I’m in good fitness and form and confident I can make a difference over the next two Wales games.” More

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      Bruno Fernandes’ ex-referee wife went from paying for dates when he was broke to convincing him to snub £200m Saudi move

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      BRUNO FERNANDES revealed wife Ana had a huge say on his decision to snub the Saudi Pro League.The Portuguese star turned down a £200million package from Al-Hilal to stay at Manchester United.Bruno Fernandes’ wife Ana has helped convince him to stay at UnitedCredit: GettyThe pair are childhood sweethearts and have been together since they were teenagersCredit: Instagram @anaapinho_Ana is a former futsal referee and had to pay for their early datesCredit: Instagram/anaapinho_Fernandes and Ana married in 2015 and have two childrenCredit: Instagram/anaapinho_Fernandes was a rare shining light in a dismal Old Trafford season last term.And the skipper has now turned down a fortune to stay in the North West.Reports suggest Al Hilal offered to TRIPLE Fernandes’ £250,000-a-week wages. But with two years remaining on his United deal, the 30-year-old has decided to remain in Manchester.READ MORE ON SPORTFernandes said: “There was that possibility [I could leave], the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask. “There was a waiting period on my part to think about what the future would hold. I would be open to it, if Manchester United felt it was my time.”I spoke with [manager] Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. “I spoke with the club, which wasn’t willing to sell, only if I truly wanted to leave.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We never talked about money – that was all handled by my agent, not me.”Fernandes and Ana are childhood sweethearts and met in their teens. Gary Neville names four Man Utd stars who must leave this summer They married in 2015 and have two children together – Matilde, 8, and Goncalo, 4.And he leaned on his rock for advice on whether to leave the Theatre of Dreams this summer. Fernandes continued: “I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future.”It was actually my wife who asked me – I never said yes or no.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.”During Fernandes’ early days as a struggling player, he did not have the money to take his beau out on dates.Ana funded their relationship by refereeing futsal matches on weekends.And the United star credits her with getting them through the “tough times”.Fernandes said: “Ana has been with me on this ride since we were 16, 17, 18 years old.”We met as teenagers, and when we first started dating, I wasn’t making any money as a footballer.”She had a nice job working as a futsal referee on the weekends.“She used to do three or four matches in a row on a Saturday, and then we would always go to the cinema on Sundays.“I personally didn’t have much money at the time so Ana was the one who had to pay for our movie tickets.”Same with going out to dinner. Even at the pizza shop, she had to pay.”Despite Fernandes bringing in the big bucks, Ana continues to be her own boss.She is the owner and CEO of architecture and interior design company Studio Otto.Read More on The SunAna boasts over 120,000 followers on social media.Her presence is mostly dedicated to her family and Bruno’s success at United, earning her the moniker “Queen of Old Trafford.” More

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      How Chelsea wooed Liam Delap thanks to ‘secret agent’ who Pep Guardiola first spotted at U15 tournament seven years ago

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      LIAM DELAP didn’t wait long to complete his move to Chelsea – thanks to the influence of some old colleagues.The striker was on the radar of several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, but the Blues turned on the charm to woo him to Stamford Bridge.Liam Delap opted to move to Chelsea instead of Man UtdCredit: AlamyPep Guardiola’s scouting seven years ago led to Delap joining the BluesCredit: GettyDelap, 22, joins Chelsea for £30million after netting 12 goals at relegated Ipswich last season.But the story of his move to West London begun seven years ago at a tournament named after Kevin De Bruyne.The Under-15s KDB Cup in Gent, Belgium, sees some of the top youngsters in the world go head-to-head.It is a scout’s dream and top sides send their best talent spotters to the games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBack in 2018, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola went to the tournament himself and was impressed by a 14-year-old Romeo Lavia.He joined the club from Anderlecht as soon as he became old enough on the recommendation of the Spaniard.But just two senior City appearances later he joined Southampton as Lavia became another highly-rated teenager that decided to move on instead of fight superstars for a place in Guardiola’s XI.Lavia spent just a season on the South Coast before Chelsea splashed a reported £53m on him in 2023.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRomeo Lavia has been dubbed a ‘secret agent’ after rumoured conversations with DelapCredit: GettyBut during his days at the Etihad, the Belgian midfielder called Delap a team-mate.Both were in City’s star-studded youth set-up and were close pals.Inside Chelsea’s Conference League final celebrations as Moises Caicedo sings karaoke into the nightThe Daily Mail report that “agent Lavia”, which he has been labelled by fans, helped convince Delap to move to Chelsea.Though the links to City in this transfer do not stop there.He was team-mates with Cole Palmer in their youth days.Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca was assistant to Guardiola and worked with youngsters during his time in Manchester.The boss already knows Delap well and helped sell the Chelsea project to him.He reportedly told the striker to envision himself leading the line for the club during their Conference League final win over Real Betis last week.Additionally, Chelsea’s co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields was formerly at City.The transfer chief is said to have a strong relationship with Delap and his family, which helped clinch the deal. Other reports state that Thomas Tuchel told the player to join Chelsea as playing in the Champions League would boost his chances of an England call-up for next summer’s World Cup.DONE DEALThe deal is now signed and sealed and Delap can get straight to work as Chelsea look to win the Club World Cup this summer.Following the move the youngster said: “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach.”It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”He was also quick to speak of his excitement about reuniting with those familiar faces.On Maresca, he said: “He is an incredible coach and helped us all develop so much. What we did that season was record-breaking, and what he’s gone on to achieve – and what the players in that age group have achieved – is incredible.”He has a great understanding of the game. He was very detailed in how he approached things with us and while it can be hard at that age to take on so much information, he brought it across in a way we understood and could put into our games.”I think it’s proved in the years since how much it has helped.”On playing alongside Palmer once more he beamed: “Cole is incredible in everything he does. I can’t wait to be in front of him again and receive his passes!”He added about Lavia and Palmer: “We grew up and played some incredible football together. I spoke to them about joining and I am excited to play alongside them again.Read More on The Sun”I also know Levi [Colwill] a bit as we faced each other hundreds of times when we were growing up. It’s always nice to know people [when you join a new club], and I’ve spoken to a few of them and asked them for advice.”They’ve told me how great a place it is and I’m really excited to come and play alongside them.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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      Finland women accidentally call up long-retired 51-YEAR-OLD for international clash with 23-year-old pro now banned

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      FINLAND accidentally called up a retired 51-YEAR-OLD for international duty. And it meant her namesake missed out on a crucial Nations League match.Nanne Ruuskanen was supposed to be named in the Finland team for the Nations LeagueCredit: AlamyInstead the Finland manager named her 51-year-old namesake who last played for her country 29 years agoCredit: AlamyFinland women’s manager Outi Saarinen apologised for the incredible blunder.Saarinen named Stina Ruuskanen in the squad for Finland’s clash with Serbia.However, Ruuskanen was born in 1974 and has long been retired.Instead, she was supposed to include her namesake Nanne Ruuskanen – a 23-year-old defender who plays for Djurgarden. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair are not related.But with the error not spotted until after the team sheet deadline, it was too late to make the change – meaning Nanne could not play in the 1-1 draw, one of Finland’s last matches before Euro 2025. Stina earned two caps for Finland in the 1990s – with the latter coming a whopping 29 years ago.That is why she was on Uefa’s database system, leading to the clerical error – forcing Nanne to wait to make her senior national team debut. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSStina took it well and joked to Finnish reporters: “It’s amazing to still be called up to the national team at this age. “It’s a must-win match tonight so that’s probably why I’ve been selected.Germany vs Portugal Nations League clash DELAYED as players are forced to protect themselves from hailstones”I’m definitely ready if the call comes.”Just yesterday I was playing in a hobby league match… so my game feel is good.”Saarinen, meanwhile, expressed her sincere regret over the unfortunate incident. She said: “Nanne was, of course, disappointed but took the news very well considering the circumstances.”I am very sorry for the mistake.” More

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      Newcastle confirm first summer signing after pipping Barcelona, Real Madrid and Porto to Spanish wonderkid

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      NEWCASTLE have confirmed the signing of Spanish wonderkid Antonio Cordero.SunSport revealed in January that the 18-year-old – dubbed ‘Antoñito’ – would reject a new deal at Malaga in favour of joining the Magpies on a free transfer.Antonio Cordero poses in his new kitCredit: GettySeveral top European clubs were after the wonderkidCredit: GettyCordero, 18, has joined the Toon from MalagaCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Spaniard will arrive at St James’ Park on 1st July – subject to obtaining a UK visa – upon the expiry of his contract, and is expected to spend his first season out on loan.Real Madrid and Barcelona had held talks with the attacker, as did Porto, but he opted to pen a five-year deal to join Eddie Howe’s side.Cordero said: “It’s truly an honour to be here, truly a pleasure. I am a person who likes to aspire high. Why not come to one of the best places in the world to do it.“It’s a big step, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here. I’m happy to do it and have a great desire to get going already.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStrong reports from Cordero’s homeland suggest he could make a return to Malaga next season, though boss Sergio Pellicer refused to be drawn on the situation when asked recently.He said: “From the outside, it seems easy, but then it requires certain circumstances to make sense of everything – salary caps and other issues. It’s up to the club to talk about it.”Cordero scored his first senior goal for the Andalusian giants in June 2024, bagging a last-gasp equaliser in a play-off final second leg to fire Malaga back in to the Segunda Division.Upon confirmation of the signing, Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell said: “Antonio is an exciting talent. We’re delighted to bring him to Newcastle United amidst interest in Spain and across Europe.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCordero undergoes his medical at NewcastleCredit: GettyThe Spanish wonderkid receives his shirt from Toon youth chief Jack RossCredit: Getty“He has lots of potential, and the next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences.”Cordero’s arrival is set to be the first among a flurry of summer signings.Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdEddie Howe maintains an interest in Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, but hopes of signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford have been hampered by his desire to join Man Utd.And goalkeeper Nick Pope is being lined up by newly-promoted Leeds after the Yorkshire side missed out on Liverpool’s Caoimhin Keller.Meanwhile Sandro Tonali has nailed his Black and White colours to the mast and committed his future to Newcastle.The Italian midfielder, 25, was one of Newcastle’s top performers this term as they lifted the Carabao Cup and secured Champions League qualification.Despite that, there have been constant reports from his homeland that he would be heading back to former club Milan, who sold him to the Magpies for £55m in 2023, this summer.Barcelona and Real Madrid are two others linked while Juventus are the latest side said to be chasing him.Tonali, however, has shut down any transfer noise and insists he is going nowhere as he wants to repay the club for the support they showed him during his ban.Read More on The SunHe said: “I’m happy where I am now. I’ve found people who care about me, and I care about them. I don’t want to break any of the bonds I’ve built.“I’ve had a lot of thoughts every day, but right now, I’m happy where I am.”Nick Pope is being targeted by newly-promoted LeedsCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Starstruck’ Jack Grealish poses with unrecognisable Premier League icon and calls him ‘one of my boyhood heroes’

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      JACK GREALISH caught up with boyhood hero Olof Mellberg as he ponders his Manchester City future.The winger, 29, has been enjoying some time off after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.Jack Grealish catches up with Villa hero Olof MellbergCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jackgrealish/Olof Mellberg starred for Aston Villa between 2001 and 2008Credit: GettyGrealish is a huge Aston Villa fan, and grew up idolising the club’s star players from the Holte End.One of his Villa favourites was Swedish defender Mellberg – a colossus at the back between 2001 and 2008.So when Grealish got the chance to meet his former hero, the Brummie ace couldn’t contain his excitement.Posting a snap of himself with Mellberg to Instagram, gleeful Grealish wrote: “Not many that I get starstruck over but this guy is one!READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Big Olof Mellberg. One of my boyhood heroes.”Since hanging up his boots in 2014, Mellberg has launched a career in management.Following several roles in Sweden, the former Villa star managed St Louis City in MLS.Grealish, meanwhile, is set for a summer of change.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSunSport recently revealed that the 39-cap star has accepted that he will likely have to leave City in order to play at next summer’s World Cup.Last night it emerged that Grealish is set to be left out of City’s Club World Cup squad as he chases a move.Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World CupThe attacker, who has two years remaining on his £300,000-a-week deal – is set to attract interest from the Premier League and across Europe.Grealish is reportedly valued at £40million – with former club Villa a candidate for his signature.City boss Pep Guardiola said last month: “Of course Jack has to play.“He needs to do it — with us or another place.”The Etihad side have agreed a £46.2m deal for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.While Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and Wolves full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri are also of interest.Grealish, 29, is set to be on the move this summerCredit: Getty More