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      Moment Wojciech Szczesny says ‘I won’t tell anyone’ after Barcelona star’s chat with Cristiano Ronaldo in tunnel

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      REAL MADRID legend Cristiano Ronaldo met with new Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny backstage during the international break.Szczesny, 34, attended Poland’s Nations League clash with Portugal at the Kazimierz Gorski National Stadium in Warsaw on Saturday and watched Ronaldo and co beat his national team 3-1.Cristiano Ronaldo and Wojciech Szczesny met backstage before Poland vs PortugalCredit: X @updates_fcbarcaSzczesny revealed to Ronaldo his son is a big fan, but ‘won’t tell anybody’Credit: AFPSzczesny came out of retirement to join Barcelona, who used to be Real Madrid legend Ronaldo’s rivalsCredit: ReutersThe ex-Arsenal keeper retired from all football last season, following seven year at Juventus.However the Polish stopper incredibly made a stunning U-turn last month to sign for LaLiga giants Barcelona, following an injury to their No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Szczesny still is not part of Michal Probierz’s Poland squad.But, as he gears up for a return between the sticks, he paid a visit to his former international team-mates before their marquee clash.Read More on FootballThat is where the ex-Juventus star got the chance to catch up with Portugal captain Ronaldo backstage, while flanked by his starstuck kids.The pair played together at Juventus and Szczesny was caught on camera telling the five-time Ballon d’Or winner that his son is a fan and wanted an autograph.That was when the keeper joked he “won’t tell anybody” given Barcelona and Real’s fierce rivalry.Szczesny told Ronaldo: “I play for Barcelona now.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRonaldo responded: ” I know.”Szczesny continued: “But he [his son] is one of your fans. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anybody.Szczesny reveals he was fined £34k for being 113 seconds late for training Ronaldo replied: “Unbelievable, from retirement to a big club.”Ronaldo spent nine glittering years with Real as he amassed a staggering 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 appearances while also winning two LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies.The Manchester United legend left Los Blancos in 2018 for Juventus where he played with Szczesny for three years before returning to Old Trafford. More

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      Pep Guardiola ‘set to snub England as his dream next manager job after Man City is revealed’

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is reportedly set to snub England as his dream managerial job after Manchester City was revealed.The six-time Premier League winner has emerged as a leading candidate to take charge of the Three Lions next summer.Pep Guardiola’s dream job has been revealed… and it’s not EnglandCredit: AFPGuardiola’s City contract is coming to an end in 2025.And FA chiefs have made him their ideal candidate to take charge once Lee Carsley’s interim reign is over.The likes of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe have also been linked.But Guardiola’s proven ability to win trophies could finally turn the tide in England’s favour after several final defeats under Gareth Southgate.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnfortunately for the Three Lions though, it appears the Spaniard has his sights set elsewhere.According to the Star, Guardiola has one dream job of his own should his time at City come to an end.And it would mean him potentially taking on England rather than leading them.Apparently, the tactician is keen on becoming Brazil boss.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe reckons it is the most iconic job in all of world football.And after taking charge of other elite clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Guardiola is said to feel the time is right to make his next role an international one.Fans spot Pep Guardiola coaching opposition player at final whistle and claim it’s ‘because he loves football so much’Brazil have been in turmoil over the last few years, starting with Tite’s sacking after a dismal performance at the 2022 World Cup.Interim boss Fernando Diniz lasted just one year before Dorival Junior was hired in January.He’s already under pressure after Brazil were KO’d from the Copa America in the quarters this summer.While the Samba kings also lost to lowly Paraguay in September.But Dorival is expected to be in charge up to and including the 2026 World Cup.However, should he not win the competition, he will be sacked.And that would open the door for Guardiola to take charge after enjoying a year out of the game.Brazil chiefs would surely jump at the chance to make Pep their next boss, having spent several years trying and failing to poach Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans have seen fierce rivals Argentina become the dominant force in South American and world football, winning several Copa Americas and the 2022 World Cup.And their revival is likely to need a manager of Guardiola’s ilk at its forefront. More

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      Watch non-league star score stunning goal in huge derby win… just hours after running HALF-MARATHON

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      A NON-LEAGUE star scored a fantastic goal just hours after completing a HALF-MARATHON at the weekend.Maidstone United’s Georgia Culpitt scored her second goal of the season against Tonbridge Angels on Sunday.Non-League star Georgia Culpitt scored a great goal after running a half marathonCredit: x @MUFCWomenHer shot flew over the goalkeeper and into the far cornerCredit: x @MUFCWomenCulpitt ran the Royal Parks Half just hours before the matchCredit: x @MUFCWomenAnd she did so just a matter of hours after running around the Royal Parks of London.After receiving the ball on the edge of the box, Culpitt fired her shot over the goalkeeper and into the far right corner.Maidstone went on to win 5-1 against Tonbridge at the Gallagher Stadium.They now sit fourth in the South East Counties Women’s Football League table.Read More in FootballFans took to social media to react to the incredible achievement, with one person writing: “Georgia that is insane!”Another said: “This is shows the levels of women’s football. You can actually run a half marathon and still play a match.”A third commented: “Great achievement on the half marathon, not a bad finish either!”While commentator Charlotte Richardson said: “Incredible! What a strike after clocking up all those miles already.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCulpitt ran the Royal Parks Half before the match on Sunday.The half-marathon runs through four of London’s Royal Parks and past some of the city’s iconic landmarks.’I hope our players have Sudocrem because they’ve had their a—s slapped,’ fumes non-league manager in viral interview More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo spotted on WATER SLIDE in Scottish hotel as fans catch glimpse of Portugal star’s workout out in gym

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO took a walk on the wild slide ahead of what could potentially be his last game in Britain.The legendary 39-year-old grabbed a 133rd record-extending goal in Portugal’s 3-1 victory in Poland on Saturday.Cristiano Ronaldo was spotted at the swimming pool by guestsAnd he decided to slide tackle the flumes of his plush Scots hotel poolPictures and videos have circulated on TikTok of Ronaldo enjoying some downtime in ScotlandThat was the 906th of his career in total – and he will be desperate to add to that tally when he heads to Hampden Park for the first time on Tuesday.While still making waves out on the pitch, the ex-Manchester United also caused a splash off it after touching down in Scotland for the Nations League clash.Ronaldo and the Portugal squad, who have trained at St Mirren’s ground, are staying at the plush Cameron House in Loch Lomond.And the veteran Al-Nassr forward has been making full use of the facilities there after an onlooker shared a clip of him training in the hotel gym.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, Ronaldo was also caught taking a break from his strict physical regime to enjoy the flumes at the hotel’s swimming pool in another TikTok video.Decked out in black shorts and with his ripped abs on full display, he was snapped standing at the top seemingly waiting to shoot down the slope on Sunday.It’s not the first time that Ronaldo has enjoyed a stay at the Loch Lomond resort.He stopped there twice previously during his first stint at United ahead of Champions League matches against Celtic in 2006 and 2008.Most read in FootballThe Portugal squad are staying at Cameron House before playing ScotlandFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPortugal head to Hampden having won all three Nations League games so far while Scotland have lost each of their three.And it looks like Ronaldo will be the man that their defence will have to stop after Portuguese boss Roberto Martinez revealed he subbed off the Real Madrid great to ensure he would be ready to take on the Tartan Army. Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Cheshire home on sale for £5m with seven bedrooms, padel courts, pool and guest barnHe said: “The substitution was important because it’s part of us managing the players.“We have two games in 72 hours. So we took Cristiano off so he would be ready for the second game in Scotland. Diogo Jota came on for him and did very well.“It’s important to use the players we have on the bench. Cristiano is in perfect shape for our next game.”Ronaldo scored his 906th career goal in Portugal’s 3-1 win over Poland on Saturday More

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      Man Utd’s Alvaro Carreras buy-back clause revealed with Benfica worried about losing left-back

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      MANCHESTER UNITED inserted a £16MILLION buy-back clause into Alvaro Carreras’ permanent move to Benfica.And Benfica are worried that the Red Devils will activate it, according to reports.Manchester United may look to activate their buy-back clause for Alvaro CarrerasThe Red Devils sold the left-back to Portuguese club Benfica for £5million in MayUnited are reportedly considering making a huge transfer U-turn a mere FIVE MONTHS after sanctioning Carerras’ £5million move to the Portuguese giants.Given their struggles at left-back, United may well regret their decision to let him depart and could be tempted to trigger their buy-back clause.The 21-year-old left United without making a competitive appearance but has already established himself as a key player for his new club.Carreras has gone from strength to strength since moving to the Portuguese capital, making nine appearances in all competitions this season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe has started both of Benfica’s Champions League games, including their 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid, where he kept Argentine World Cup-winner Angel Correa and Frenchman Antonie Griezmann at bay.United will reportedly face competition for the left-back’s services from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool.But the Spaniard’s release clause for all other clubs, bar United, is set at around £41million, according to Portuguese outlet Record.Carreras spent the second half of last season with Benfica on loan, before making the move permanent in May.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Red Devils signed Carerras from Madrid in September 2020, pipping both Barca and Manchester City to his services.He was named on the bench for several Premier League games under Erik ten Hag.Man United dressing room was BUGGED during match against Aston Villa in a shocking security breachThe full-back was highly-rated at the club, winning the Under-23s player of the season award in 2022.And United’s defensive injury crisis could see them move back in for Carreras.Ten Hag’s side have endured their worst ever Premier League start and left-back has been a problem position amid injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Natural right-back Diogo Dalot has started every game on the left-hand side of defence this term – but has endured some horror shows, particularly in United’s 3-0 pummelling by Spurs.Meanwhile, new full-back Noussair Mazraoui will be sidelined for a few weeks after undergoing a minor procedure after experiencing heart palpitations.The Red Devils have ONE full-back available for selection in Dalot, or may have to call up 17-year-old Harry Amass for his first Prem minutes.Harry Maguire has also been ruled out for a few weeks after pulling his calf against Aston Villa. More

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      Erling Haaland refuses post-match interviews after suffering biggest EVER defeat… before apologising on social media

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      ERLING HAALAND refused to do a post-match interview following Norway’s 5-1 defeat to Austria – before issuing an apology on social media.The Manchester City striker led the line in last night’s Nations League clash with captain and Arsenal ace Martin Odegaard still out with an ankle injury.Erling Haaland apologised after refusing to do a post-match interviewCredit: RexBut, after becoming Norway’s record goal scorer in Thursday’s 3-0 win against Slovenia, Haaland ended up on the receiving end of a rare hammering.Ex-Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s Austria fired five goals past Norway in a one-sided match, leaving the Man City star distraught.It was his biggest-ever defeat as a senior player for either club or country.And after the final whistle, Haaland was in no mood to talk.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe forward refused to answer questions from Norwegian press in the mixed zone.But later in the evening, Haaland issued a grovelling apology for his silent treatment.Posting on Instagram, he said: “Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part.“In November, we go for six points.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite Haaland’s refusal to answer questions, he was still defended by Norway teammate Sander Berge.The Fulham star said: “He has every right to do that.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League stars“You can feel the disappointment now. We as a team in there, we stand in ups and downs regardless.“The most important thing is that we are united, that’s how it is.”However, Haaland was criticised by compatriot Kristoffer Lokberg, who made seven appearances for Norway’s U18s.He said: “It’s a shame. If there’s anyone we want to hear from after a violent slump, it’s the captain.Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part.Erling Haaland“How was it communicated out here? How do you think after the 3-1 goal?“Do you gather? What do you do? When you are captain, you have been assigned a role that requires a little extra.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then you should stand up. At the same time, I have great respect for the fact he’s in a special position when it comes to attention and requests.“I understand he has a strict regime around him in everyday life. But when you have the captain’s armband, he should stand up and say a few words.” More

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      Anthony Gordon most-popular outfielder yet to reach 50 Dream Team points – should gaffers look elsewhere?

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      DREAM TEAM managers should be taking stock of their players during this international break.A flurry of fixtures will take place across the next four Gameweeks before another momentary pause for international commitments in November.It’s imperative gaffers ditch the dead weight and replace any under-performing assets with in-form stars if they are to make the most of this crucial period.Gordon has failed to replicate his 2023/24 form this seasonCredit: Dream TeamThis brings us onto the topic of Anthony Gordon (£4.5m), who has the unwanted distinction of being the most-popular outfield player in Dream Team yet to reach the 50-point mark.Emi Martinez (£3.7m) is the most-selected player overall still short of a half-century but the bar is lower for goalkeepers as they tend to earn fewer points across the board.The World Cup winner is currently fifth among assets in his position and just ten points behind leader David Raya (£5.1m) – he’s not a problem.The same can’t be said for Gordon, however, who is currently 24th among midfielders, behind the likes of Mario Lemina (£3.2m), Antoine Semenyo (£3.1m) and Christian Eriksen (£3.1m).Such are the fine margins, Newcastle’s No10 would have climbed into the top 15 midfielders had he converted his penalty against former club Everton in Gameweek 7.But we can only gauge him on his actual points total at this stage, which has to be considered underwhelming.One goal from open play represents an underwhelming return from nine outingsCredit: AlamyExpectations of Gordon were high prior to Gameweek 1 after his impressive 2023/24 campaign, as evidenced by the fact he was among the most-popular players in the game during pre-season.Most read in FootballHe’s still the seventh-most selected midfielder at the time of writing.The Magpies have enjoyed a relatively positive start to the season having lost just one of their nine games in all competitions so far but Gordon has contributed just two goals (one a penalty) – the 23-year-old is yet to provide an assist.It’s sometimes the case that a player has been a tad unlucky not to notch more goal involvements but Gordon’s underlying numbers are concerning.He’s registered five shots on target in nine outings this season and created just one big chance for his team-mates.For comparison, defenders Ola Aina (£2.7m), Tyrick Mitchell (£3.2m) and Micky van de Ven (£4m) are among the vast number of players to have created more big chances across the first seven Gameweeks.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWGordon’s missed penalty against Everton may be the last straw for some Dream Team bossesCredit: GettyThis is not to say Gordon has suddenly regressed into a bad player – his tally of 13 bonus points is only bettered by James Maddison (£4.5m) and Eberechi Eze (£4.9m) – but Dream Team bosses should acknowledge that his returns have fallen short of expectations.Newcastle’s fixture list suggests the England international may have a hard time of improving his form in the coming weeks.Eddie Howe’s side are due to face Brighton, Chelsea (x2) and Arsenal in their next four games.In terms of replacements, Tottenham midfielders Brennan Johnson (£3.8m) and the aforementioned Maddison are available at no additional cost – in fact the former is £0.7m cheaper than Gordon right now.READ MORE SUN STORIESMOST-POPULAR OUTFIELD PLAYERS YET TO ACHIEVE 50 POINTS THIS SEASONAnthony Gordon (14.1% ownership) – 45 ptsMarc Guehi (11.4%) – 40 ptsCristian Romero (10.8%) – 44 ptsPhil Foden (9.8%) – 30 ptsMicky van de Ven (9.5%) – 38 ptsAlexander Isak (9.1%) – 28 ptsMorgan Rogers (8.5%) – 43 ptsBruno Fernandes (7.6%) – 40 ptsEmile Smith Rowe (7.6%) – 35 ptsRiccardo Calafiori (6.8%) – 32 ptsBetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Man Utd hero ‘takes gap year then casually comes back as highest-rated player in Europe’ after Old Trafford exit

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      DAVID DE GEA has enjoyed a stunning return to form with Fiorentina after a YEAR away from the pitch – and now has the stats to back it up.The former Manchester United star is the highest-rated goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues this season.Former Man Utd keeper De Gea is the highest rated goalkeeper in EuropeDe Gea joined Serie A side Fiorentina as a free agent this summerThe decision to let long-term servant De Gea depart on a free transfer and replace him with £41m-recruit Andre Onana was bold.And now De Gea’s exploits in Italy are starting to raise further question marks on Erik ten Hag’s decision.The Spaniard, who spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford, had to wait 446 days to enter the pitch again.Fiorentina placed their trust in him during the summer, securing his services on a one-year contract.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSSo far, the Serie A side’s move has proven to be a masterstroke.In fact, De Gea’s rating of 7.61 makes him the highest rated goalkeeper in Europe this season, according to match ratings site WhoScored.De Gea has been putting in brilliant displays for the Florence-based outfit on a regular basis.He saved two penalties to help Fiorentina seal a memorable 2-1 win over AC Milan before the international break.Most read in FootballDe Gea saved TWO penalties in Fiorentina’s 2-1 win over AC MilanHe was thanked by his team-mates on both occasionsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Gea got down low to his left to save Theo Hernandez’s first-half spot-kick before superbly diving to his right to prevent Tammy Abraham scoring his penalty in the second half.The 33-year-old also made an incredible save to deny Samuel Chukwueze’s strike from rattling the net.Roy Keane reveals his pick for next England manager as Man Utd legend says ‘the FA better get busy’ As per WhoScored, he has made 4.3 saves per game in Serie A so far this term.And fans were quick to comment on De Gea’s new rating.One user wrote: “Bro casually took a gap year and came back the highest rated keeper as if he’s in high school 😂❤.”A second said: “Man United are kicking themselves right now for letting him go.”Another added: “And we dumped him for Onana 😶.”A fourth declared: “Forget playing it out from the back. There is something to be said about just being a good shot stopper.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile one more said: “One of the best goalkeepers ever. A United legend.”Meanwhile, Onana has shown promise this campaign, but he is yet to establish himself as a reliable figure between the sticks. More