Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares32 Views

      in Soccer

      Marco Asensio’s mum told Florentino Perez he’d be Real Madrid star aged NINE before tragic death from cancer

      by

      IT was the mother of all predictions that still brings a tear to the eye of Marco Asensio two decades down the line.A bold-as-brass prophecy from his biggest fan, before he was even at the baby-steps stage of a career which took him to the European summit.Marco Asensio has been a revelation for Aston Villa since his loan move from PSGCredit: REXAsensio became a global name during his trophy-laden stint with Real MadridCredit: AFPThe Spain international joined Real from Mallorca in December 2014Credit: GETTYAsensio’s late mother, Maria, told Florentino Perez her son would be a Real star when he was nine years oldCredit: AlamyAnd ultimate proof that mums DO know best — as a trophy cabinet packed with football’s most glittering prizes testifies.If Aston Villa fans get their way, any more medals that the Spanish forward wins will be done in the claret and blue shirt of Unai Emery’s men.For it has taken Asensio, 29, just three months to become a cult hero to Villa supporters, 18 games and nine starts after arriving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.He has eight goals already, all celebrated with a look to the heavens, in memory of the mum who once told Real Madrid’s president that Marco would be a Bernabeu superstar.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAsensio was only nine, yet she knew her son had a gift — and was quick to tell Florentino Perez in their chance meeting at Puerto Portals in Mallorca.Maria and husband Gilberto had taken the family to see the luxury yachts in the marina and after spotting Perez on his boat, asked for a picture.Yet before heading off, she told the Real guv’nor to look at the pint-sized kid next to her, as one day he would pull on the most famous white shirt in football.While Perez simply smiled, Maria had no doubts. Neither did a man who was blown away from the day Asensio arrived at tiny Mallorcan club Platges de Calvia two years earlier.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJuan Pericas, a youth coach at the Spanish fifth-tier outfit, soon had the same conviction as Marco’s mum. He still chuckles at what she said to Perez.Marco Asensio scores a brilliant flicked goal in Real Madrid training Pericas revealed: “They asked Florentino for a photo and then his mother said, ‘You see this little boy? “‘He is my son Marco. One day he will play for Real Madrid and be very successful’.“That’s why, the day that Marco signed for Real, he cried like a child. He remembered his mother’s premonition.“He was seven when he joined us, an age when very few kids know what to do with the ball.“But he played with his head up and always made the right decision.“In his first season, he scored 64 goals and had 30 assists.“That was a huge thing for someone so young to have those stats.”Sadly, Maria never got to see her son at the Bernabeu, as she tragically passed away through cancer when he was just 15 and a youth player at Mallorca.Almost immediately, he was playing two categories above his age group, standing out against boys older and stronger.Before long, LaLiga’s big two were sniffing around — and when Real agreed to pay €4million in one hit for the 18-year-old, letting Mallorca keep him for the season, that swayed it.Marco has told me many times his mother is still his source of inspiration and he plays every match in her memory.”Juan Pericas on Marco Asensio’s late motherBarcelona missed out as they wanted the fee in four instalments — and Asensio was on the road to three Champions League wins in nearly a decade.And every golden moment was celebrated with a point to the heavens in tribute to the woman he says will always be his driving force.Just as they were when he left for Paris a couple of seasons ago — and since moving to the Midlands in February.Pericas added: “Marco has told me many times his mother is still his source of inspiration and he plays every match in her memory. “She left an indelible impact and lives on through Marco.“He has spoken many times of his desire to make her proud on every occasion.“That’s why, each time Marco scores, he celebrates by looking up at the sky. Every goal is dedicated to Maria.”Villa fans would love to see him bagging plenty more for them and they are urging Emery to pay the £12.5million or so that it would cost to make his move permanent this summer.Read More on The SunAnd Pericas is equally convinced that the two are a perfect fit.He added: “Marco is loving it in England. If everything can be worked out, it would be a great move for both of them.” More

    • 150 Shares56 Views

      in Soccer

      New footie regulator’s boss warned against ‘political bias’ after donating to Labour

      by

      THE new football regulator’s boss has been warned against “political bias” after donating to Labour.A formal complaint over David Kogan’s appointment was also lodged by the Tories.David Kogan’s appointment as the Chair of the Independent Football Regulator sparked immediate complaintsCredit: PAThe sports media exec donated to the leadership campaigns of Sir Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy, now the PM and Culture Secretary.Shadow Culture Secretary Stuart Andrew claimed that this was not properly declared ahead of his selection hearing.He also raised to the Cabinet Secretary a potential ministerial code breach, with a “perceived conflict of interest”.The Culture, Media and Sport Committee endorsed Mr Kogan as Independent Football Regulator chairman yesterday after a grilling on Wednesday. READ MORE ON POLITICSBut, in a rare caveat, it demanded he “takes concrete steps to reassure the football community he will act impartially and in a politically neutral way”.Tory Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage said: “While Mr Kogan’s background and experience make him well-suited for the role, his past donations to the Labour Party will inevitably leave him open to charges of political bias in a job where independence is paramount.”“We want to see the new Independent Football Regulator succeed, so it’s crucial that nothing undermines the regulator as it gets up and running.“Mr Kogan must give 110 per cent when it comes to reassuring everyone in the game that he is his own man. Most read in Football”The Committee looks forward to working with him constructively and holding him to account.”No 10 has insisted that all declarations were made in the proper way.Biggest shake up to football ownership in years announced in King’s Speech as new regulator’s powers confirmed More

    • 213 Shares36 Views

      in Soccer

      Jens Lehmann’s wife of 25 years reveals they are DIVORCED after he attacked neighbour’s house with chainsaw

      by

      JENS LEHMANN’S wife of 25 years, Conny, has confirmed the couple have divorced.Lehmann, 55, has long lived separated from his former partner, with Conny, 52, moving out of their villa in Starnberg before they called it quits.Jens Lehmann’s ex-wife Conny has confirmed they have divorced, ending a 25-year marriageCredit: GettyIt comes after the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper was caught up in a string of controversiesCredit: GettyOne of them saw Lehmann accused of failing a breathalyser after being pulled over by cops following Oktoberfest celebrationsCredit: GettySpeaking to Bild, Conny was reluctant to go into detail about her split with Lehmann, but said: “I’m single. I’m a happy single.”The pair had met in 1995 before officially getting together in 1999 and marrying in October of that year.Conny has two children with Lehmann, 24-year-old Mats and 18-year-old Lieselotta.Lehmann also adopted Conny’s child from a previous relationship with ex-Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder, Knut Reinhardt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey have had an on-and-off relationship for some time now, although they went on a family holiday last year which was said to be more for the children than any sort of romantic getaway.Conny had found a new partner while Lehmann remained in their family home before it was put up for sale.Lehmann was caught up in controversy last year when he was fined £112,000 by a Munich court for a chainsaw attack on a neighbour’s garage in September.He had been accused of using a chainsaw to hack through the roof beams on his neighbour’s garage by Lake Starnberg, which is in the Bavaria region of Germany.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe alleged incident was said to have taken place during the summer of 2022.He was initially found guilty in December 2023, being slapped with a 10-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay a fine worth more than £350,000.These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts’ best betsThe former Gunner subsequently launched an appeal, as did Munich prosecutors.According to local reports in Germany, a deal was reached between prosecutors and Lehmann’s lawyers prior to the trial’s resumption.Lehmann’s legal representative Florian Ufer gave an update – with his client having also been on trial for alleged unpaid parking fees.He said: “Mr Lehmann accepts responsibility. He has come to an agreement with his neighbour. The parking fees have been paid.”Lehmann’s initial £350,000 fine was reduced to around £112,000.He is also claimed to have paid his neighbour around £50,000 in order to close the matter, which then saw criminal charges against him dropped.Then, during Oktoberfest celebrations, it is claimed the former Germany No.1 vomited twice and failed a breathalyser after being pulled over by police.Lehmann is alleged to have been drink driving at the time of the stop, which happened at 1:30am. Police could reportedly smell alcohol from his breath through the open window of the car.Reports in Germany claimed he got out of the car and vomited twice by the roadside before he struggled to produce his driver’s license and failed with his first few attempts to do so.He was unable to show his warning triangle and first-aid kit, and had to hold onto the car to stay upright when opening his boot.Breath tests had to be abandoned because the 61-Cap Germany star was “no longer able to blow” so he was instead taken to a police station for further tests.Lehmann later went to the Munich Institute of Forensic Medicine for blood tests.The German was ordered to appear in court with the prosecutor’s office requesting a fine of £60,000 with a trial set for Thursday April 3. His driver’s license was also confiscated.He was hit with a €1,000 (£846) fine for driving under the influence of alcohol.Read More on The SunThe judge said Lehmann had displayed “bad behaviour” in court and to police when arrested in September last year.Lehmann said: “I misjudged myself and thought I could drive.” More

    • 150 Shares46 Views

      in Soccer

      Over-excited Wrexham players endured sobering hour-long ordeal during £500,000 Vegas promotion party

      by

      WREXHAM AFC players got stuck in a lift for an hour during their wild promotion bash in Las Vegas.Insiders said the club’s Hollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney splashed £500,000 on celebrations after the team clinched a place in the Championship.Wrexham AFC players got stuck in a lift for an hour during their wild promotion bash in Las VegasHollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney splashed £500,000 on celebrations after the team clinched a place in the ChampionshipCredit: RexThe players flew by private jet to Vegas on Thursday and kicked off the fun at a pool party.A source said: “After leaving there, the players went back to the Bellagio Hotel to get ready before heading to Hakkasan Nightclub.They’d been drinking all day and were a bit over-excited when they got in the lift to go up to the entrance of the club on the fourth floor.“They started messing around by jumping up and down.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Next thing they knew, the lift came to an abrupt stop and would no longer move.“They ended up having a sobering hour-long wait for firefighters to help get them out.”When they were finally released, bosses Ryan and Rob had paid for them to have the best table in the house.Onlookers said those on the Owners Table of the venue on Las Vegas Boulevard tipped their waitress £3,000.Most read in FootballDeadpool star Ryan and fellow actor Rob bought Wrexham in 2020 for £2million when it was a non-league club.It is now worth more than £100million.Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham mercilessly trolled by Peterborough stars after Cup heartache The Hollywood pair’s exploits have been documented in their TV series Welcome to Wrexham.It has seen the North Wales club win their third promotion in a row under manager Phil Parkinson.Wrexham’s visit to Vegas is now a promotion traditionPlayers enjoyed pool parties as they soaked up the sunThe stars hung out with bikini-clad womenWrexham are now in the Championship, England’s second tierCredit: Rex More

    • 275 Shares46 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta does a Benitez as he rants about xG and tells Luis Enrique ‘look at the stats’ after bold Arsenal claim

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA doubled down as he insisted KO’d Arsenal WERE the Champions League’s best team —  and told Luis Enrique to ‘look at the stats’.Arteta was mocked by Paris Saint-Germain boss Enrique for claiming his men were better than the Munich-bound side — despite losing their semi 3-1 on aggregate.Mikel Arteta reckons the Gunners were unlucky in ParisArteta is basing his Arsenal verdict on figures like expected goals – and told everyone to look at the statsCredit: PARafa Benitez hit Alex Ferguson with his ‘facts’ in his infamous 2009 rantThe Arsenal chief — stopping just short of Rafa Benitez’s infamous ‘facts’ rant —  reiterated: “I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.“When you look at all the important stats, the ones that give you the best platform to win football matches, it’s crystal clear who was better.“With an expected goals of five against three, which we had over the two legs, normally you’re in the final.”Arteta’s statistical claims echoed then-Liverpool boss Benitez’s 2009 rant about Alex Ferguson, when the Spaniard blasted the Manchester United chief with a list of ‘facts’.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArteta said: “If you face PSG and they blow you away, you shake hands and say, ‘We’re not ready still’.“When you look them in the eye, suffocate them in the way we did there, you were the better team.“But it’s not about the winning probability, it’s actually making it count.”But the Gunners chief did accept Liverpool “deserve” to be crowned Prem winners  because his side have taken a “step backwards”. Most read in Champions LeagueMartin Odegaard and Co were shattered by their semi-final KOCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKArteta had been under fire for claiming Liverpool’s title-winning tally — they can still reach 91 points — was less than the 89 his men racked up last term or 84 in 2022-23, when they were again runners-up to Manchester City.He said: “It’s true. With the amount of points we had, we could have been champions twice.This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final“But we were not. In the Premier League we’ve gone a step backwards. Liverpool deserve to be champions.”While the thought of telling his team to line up on the Anfield pitch and give Liverpool their guard of honour on Sunday will be hard to swallow, the Spaniard knows it is something his players MUST do.To realise how close they came. To dig deeper to make sure the boot is on the other foot next term.Another campaign of near-misses has left Arteta wounded, no question.It is now five years and counting since the Basque watched his players parade round an empty Wembley with the FA Cup, the “Covid Final” win over Chelsea something from another age.I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.Mikel ArtetaSince then, while Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all won trophies, Arsenal have not, falling short at the moment of truth.Being the unwitting walk-on extras at an Anfield party tomorrow will rub home that point, as Arteta knows.He said: “Paris was a very emotional moment.“It was one of the saddest but one of the proudest moments that I have had as an Arsenal manager.“We put a lot of hope and energy and work into that and we didn’t get the outcome. You need to go through that to become stronger and better and that’s what we do.“We are providing the numbers that win you titles. We have to be a little bit luckier or still do better.“Again, with what we did in the Champions League, with those  numbers, you have a big probability of winning it. That’s why a lot of people were thinking that we could go all the way.Last-eight hero Declan Rice couldn’t quite help Arsenal past PSGCredit: Shutterstock EditorialArteta consoled Jurrien Timber as the Gunners missed out on the finalCredit: Reuters“Those two words, ‘success’ and ‘failure’, they are not part of my vocabulary.“But not winning trophies bothers me a lot because I love winning and absolutely hate losing.“If it doesn’t hurt then it means you don’t love winning as much as I do, that’s for sure.”The fear of some Gunners fans is that Arteta might end up as another North London “nearly man”, the sort of jibe they loved to throw at Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs when their most bitter rivals were in the local ascendancy but could not get over the winning line.Arteta and his “trust the process” mantra retain the backing of most of the Emirates faithful but the manager wants his players to feel as bad as the travelling fans shortly before 4.30pm on Sunday.He added: “Liverpool have been the best team, the most consistent team. When somebody is better you have to applaud and accept and try to reach that level.I have no doubts about these players and their attitude. I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight.Mikel Arteta“Something that has to drive you, motivate you, and pain probably is a good one to use.“When you don’t really want to do something but it’s the right thing to do, usually it is a motivation for next season.“We cannot win the Premier League, that is clear. But over the last 16 days, with three games to go, we must make sure that we do ourselves proud and compete to the end in the manner we deserve.”For many Arsenal fans — and  outside critics — it was the failure to address the elephant in the room in January, the club’s lack of an  out-and-out striker, that ended up being exactly as costly as was widely predicted. Pressed on that and the fact that Mo Salah’s goals for Liverpool have been one of the key differences in the campaign, Arteta did bristle.He asked: “Did I have to make it more clear in January? Was it clear or not?“If you score over 90 goals you have a high probability of winning the Premier League.“It doesn’t guarantee you, but you have a high probability if your defensive record is very good and very dependable.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.“Of course, there’s not that many who can put up those numbers in the Premier League, so I must improve and love the ones we have right now.“This is not the moment to judge players.”That is on Arteta himself as well. He said: “I have so much to achieve and do. That is what drives me every day.“The only way to achieve what you want is to have really high standards and demands.“We are very, very close to achieving it. I understand the disappointment, and the criticism. That is all part of it.“At the end there is one winner and the rest of them aren’t going to win, so they need to reinvent themselves and do better.“But I have no doubts about these players and their attitude.Read More on The Sun“I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight and how much we care about what is happening.“And what we still have to achieve, which is a big thing because we haven’t done it yet.”Thomas Partey gave his all in vain in the return leg at PSGCredit: Alamy More

    • 263 Shares32 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League could be saying goodbye to one if its biggest ever bargains in Jamie Vardy… but is he the best?

      by

      IT is the ultimate pub football debate — who has been the biggest bargain to play in the Premier League?Jamie Vardy’s decision to leave Leicester at the end of this season has set tongues-a-wagging across this footie-crazy country, especially after Alan Shearer described him as “the best £1millon spent ever”.Jamie Vardy confirmed he will leave Leicester at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersTitle-winner Vardy cost Leicester just £1million from FleetwoodCredit: Getty Images – GettyVardy has rewarded Foxes fans 199 times since his bargain-basement move from Fleetwood Town in 2012 and stands only a solitary goal away from a double century.His performances have made him a Leicester legend and Shearer is absolutely right to mark his fellow Englishman down as one of the ‘steals’ of the modern game.But the best? Hmmm, you decide, while I throw in a few other candidates.Only two years after Vardy joined Leicester he was followed by Algerian Riyad Mahrez, who signed for… wait for it … £450,000! Four years later the Foxes sold the winger to Manchester City for £60m.read more football newsThere must have been something in the East Midlands air at the time because, in 2011, keeper Kasper Schmeichel arrived for £1m and four years later Leicester also snapped up part human, part midfield machine N’Golo Kante for just £5.6m. OK, not quite Vardy, Mahrez and Schmeichel territory, but in football transfer terms, pretty damn cheap.Elsewhere in the Midlands, Aston Villa got themselves a veritable bargain when they signed John McGinn from Hibernian for less than £3m.While just down the road at Wolves, the Molineux club snapped up Max Kilman from non-league Maidenhead United for just £40,000 back in 2018.Plenty of others have also proven to be genuine bargains, including John Stones, who left his hometown club Barnsley for Everton for just £3m in 2013 — and has now won 83 England caps.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAndy Robertson started his career at part-time Queen’s Park, but in 2017 Liverpool paid only £8m for the defender, who has been an integral part of the team which has been successful both at home and abroad.Another full-back, Everton’s Seamus Coleman, has given remarkable service having signed from Sligo Rovers for £60,000. Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadAnd how about Moises Caicedo, who moved to Brighton four years ago for £3.6m and has just won the club’s player of the season award at Chelsea following his big-money switch to Stamford Bridge.Talking of Chelsea, I know £8m isn’t exactly shopping at Poundland, but Spanish star Cesar Azpilicueta barely missed a game in nearly a decade and captained the club to Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup victories.Every manager is keen on snapping up a good deal. Mind you, back in the 1990s the then-Southampton boss Graeme Souness took a gamble on Ballon d’Or winner George Weah’s alleged ‘cousin’.And Ali Dia has gone down in football folklore.Ali Dia infamously duped Southampton, claiming he was George Weah’s cousinAfter coming on as a sub for Saints legend Matt Le Tissier, he was substituted later in the game against Leeds — his only Premier League appearance.Le Tissier said: “He ran around the pitch like Bambi on ice. It was very embarrassing.”Read More on The SunDia was immediately released by Southampton and next rocked up at non-league Gateshead, where he claimed he had recently scored for Senegal in a World Cup qualifier… except the African nation had already been knocked out.And it turned out that Dia was about as much George Weah’s cousin as I am. More

    • 225 Shares32 Views

      in Soccer

      Luton release five players after relegation including Chelsea title winner and club legend who played in every division

      by

      LUTON have confirmed the release of five senior players at the end of this season.It comes after the Hatters, who were still a Premier League club 12 months ago, were relegated to League One.Luton have confirmed Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu will leave the club at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyPrem title winner Victor Moses will join him out the doorCredit: GettyTim Krul will also leave when his contract expiresCredit: RexAfter being banished from the top flight a year ago, Luton were simply unable to shake the habit of losing in the Championship.And despite replacing popular former boss Rob Edwards in January with Matt Bloomfield, a run of nine games without a win under him left them with a lot to do before a 5-3 defeat to West Brom on the final day confirmed relegation for the second season in a row.Following that disappointment, the club have now confirmed who will be leaving them when their contracts expire.Chief among these is history-making midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 31-year-old came up with Luton from non-league and throuhgh every single division of the EFL to get into the Premier League, becoming the first player to win four promotions and play in five divisions with the same club.He has made 412 appearances and scored 23 goals throughout his Luton career.But having spent the second half of the season on loan at Rotherham, the club legend will now depart to end a 12-year career with them after originally signing as a teenager from West Ham in 2013.The club added a further tribute to him would follow.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOther departures include Prem cult heroes Tim Krul and Victor Moses, four-year Luton veteran Amari’i Bell and on-loan reserve goalkeeper Jameson Horlick.Krul, 37, and Moses, 34, have more than 440 Premier League appearances between them, with the latter also winning the title with Chelsea.Fire brigade rush to Championship stadium as blaze erupts in laundry room ahead of huge clashLuton’s statement said: “We would like to thank Kal, Tim, Victor, Jameson and Josh immensely for their contribution to the club this season and wish them well for their future careers.”Club captain Tom Lockyer is out of contract but will continue his rehabilitation at The Brache, completing his return to football programme after his recovery from ankle surgery.Liam Walsh and Jack Walton, who is on loan at Dundee, have seen one-year contract extensions triggered.Elsewhere, the loan deals of Josh Bowler and Kal Naismith are expiring which will see them return to parent clubs Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, respectively.Players currently out on loan; Cauley Woodrow, Tom Holmes, Jayden Luker and Aribim Pepple, will return to the fold this summer. However, returning loanee Dion Pereira will not be continuing at Kenilworth Road.In the Under-21 ranks, Claude Kayibanda and Jack Lorentzen-Jones have had their contracts extended while discussions are ongoing with Joshua Phillips.Unfortunately, Jack Bateson, Dominic Dos Santos Martins, Tyrell Giwa and Axel Piesold will all be released from their respective deals.For the Under-18s, Sam Anderson, Zach Ioannides, Jamie Odegah, Oliver Pipa, Dylan Stitt, Lucas Thomas, Charlie Trustram and Tate Xavier-Jones have all been handed professional contracts.Luton have offered first-year scholarships to Rufus Barnes, Excel Ed-Okungbowa, Nassim El Gourja, Finley Evans, Luca Knote-Reed, Jerome Passley-James and Luke Takawira.Read More on The SunThey will also add Dawid Gawel as a scholar from Everton.On the other hand, Charlie Emery, Isaiah Harvey, Cai Hockey and Matthew Takawira will be leaving the academy at the end of the season. More

    • 225 Shares32 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea fans can watch their teams for FREE in Europa and Conference League finals

      by

      SPURS, Manchester United and Chelsea fans are set to be able to watch their sides’ European finals for free this month.Broadcaster TNT Sports is understood to be planning to make all three of this season’s Uefa Finals available to all fans through its Discovery Plus channel.Bruno Fernandes hopes Man Utd put aside domestic woe to beat fellow Prem strugglers Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21Credit: ReutersBrennan Johnson and Co might not save boss Ange Postecoglou’s job if Tottenham defeat the Red Devils in the Bilbao finalCredit: GettyCole Palmer’s Chelsea are gunning for Real Betis on May 28 in the Conference League showdownCredit: GettyWhile a formal announcement is yet to be made, Sun Sport understands TNT will repeat last season’s model for the three games.It means the all-Prem Europa League showdown between United and Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21, Chelsea’s Conference League climax with Real Betis in Wroclaw seven days later and the Munich Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG can all be watched by fans without a TNT subscription.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is under so much pressure he could even be axed if he triumphs.Tottenham have been trophyless since lifting the League Cup in 2008.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd United counterpart Ruben Amorim says victory for his team is the least his club’s fans deserve – after admitting he must get better at his job.It comes as the English top flight could have a record NINE teams competing in Europe next season.That would smash the previous best of five from 2017-18, which saw United miss out on the top four but win the Europa League.The Prem has been awarded five Champions League spots next season – thanks to performing so well under Uefa’s coefficient rankings.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan Utd and Spurs will fight for the Europa League trophyCredit: GettyThe key achievement in being rated so high was Arsenal beating Real Madrid in their quarter-final first leg.The Gunners went on to exit against Paris Saint-Germain in the semis – with Emirates boss Mikel Arteta sparking a mixed response for claiming his team were the best in the competition.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThis Conference League trophy is the prize at Chelsea vs BetisCredit: Shutterstock EditorialStamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea are accused of ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’Arsenal’s Real success meant the Prem’s Europa and Conference League places would now be filled by the sides finishing sixth and seventh.And they will down a spot further – if Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.Spurs and United are far closer to the bottom of the table than the teams challenging for European places.But whoever wins the Europa League final will book a Champions League place.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More