More stories

  • in

    Sevilla defender Kike Salas ‘arrested for deliberately getting yellow cards’ and risks up to THREE YEARS in prison

    SEVILLA star Kike Salas faces three years in prison after being arrested for allegedly picking up deliberate yellow cards in matches.The Spain Under-21s defender, 22, is under investigation for his conduct late in the 2023-24 season, according to respected Spanish outlet El Confidencial.Sevilla star Kike Salas is facing prison after being accused of deliberately being booked in order to make accomplices money through bettingCredit: GettyLegal sources tell El Confidencial that Salas intentionally got himself booked in a number of matches to allow at least two accomplices to make money off his actions through betting.A court in the southern Spanish city of Seville is now looking into the allegations – and refuse to rule out the prospect of other players in his circle being involved.Spanish cops are focusing their investigation on a number of matches from the final few weeks of last season – when Sevilla had nothing to play for after a wildly mediocre season.Salas was booked ten times in total last season – with SEVEN of those coming in the final nine games of the season, with the defender missing one of those through suspension.READ MORE IN SPORTThree of those last seven cards came very late in the game – in the 88th minute and 94th-minute (twice) – as Sevilla finished the season a desperately disappointing 14th place having lost their final four matches.Authorities are working on the suspicion that a number of the yellow cards were deliberate so that Salas friends could cash-in after placing a serious of specific bets.If found guilty, Salas faces a prison sentence of anywhere between six months and three years.Salas – who joined Sevilla aged 11 – has played 54 times for Sevilla and earned two international U21s caps, while only extending his contract at the Spanish giants in December 2024, which will see him stay at the club until the end of the 2028-29 season.Most read in FootballThe accusations are similar to those faced by West Ham star Lucas Paqueta – who risks being banned from playing for life.The Brazilian was originally accused of being deliberately booked in Premier League games against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth between November 2022 and August 2023.West Ham star Lucas Paqueta charged with betting breachesIn addition, the 27-year-old was charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3, which relate to his mobile phone.Earlier this season, SunSport revealed that Paqueta’s hearing is expected to take place in March, although a verdict is unlikely to be reached until the summer — so he is free to play for the rest of the season.The FA are pushing for Paqueta to be banned for life, despite one of the bets placed on him worth just £7.Around 60 people in Brazil wagered bets on the Irons star to be booked in the relevant games, with the stakes ranging from £7 to £400, leading to combined winnings of £100,000.The FOUR games Paqueta has been charged forLUCAS PAQUETA has been charged by the FA over four specific games…FIRST INCIDENT – West Ham 0-2 Leicester, 60th minuteThe Brazilian was booked for lunging into Leicester’s Boubakary Soumare from behind.After initially playing the advantage, referee Jarred Gillett eventually pulled it back and brandished the yellow.SECOND INCIDENT – West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa, 70th minute Four months later against Aston Villa Paqueta slid into John McGinn inside the centre circle, completely missing the ball and instead catching his legs.THIRD INCIDENT – West Ham 3-1 Leeds, 65th minuteAt the end of the 2022-23 campaign against Leeds at the London Stadium Paqueta tripped Crysencio Summerville from behind.The foul prevented the visitors from breaking on the counter attack.FOURTH INCIDENT – Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham, 93rd minuteWith just a few minutes remaining on the opening day of the season, Paqueta jumped up for an aerial challenge but instead handled the ball.The referee, who was standing directly in front of him, was quick to brandish the yellow. More

  • in

    Ange Postecoglou hits out at ‘vile and detestable’ abuse he suffered at Tamworth and claims he had objects thrown at him

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU has hit out at the “vile and detestable” abuse he received at Tamworth – claiming he had objects thrown at him.Spurs were taken to extra-time by the National League side in Sunday’s FA Cup third-round clash – before running out 3-0 winners.Ange Postecoglou slammed the Tamworth fans who went too far with their abuseCredit: GettyFor the most part, Postecoglou enjoyed the interaction he had with the crowd at the 4,000-capacity Lamb Ground.But he was unhappy with some of the flak he received, with social media footage capturing supporters shouting “w***er, w***er” at the Aussie from behind the dugouts.Spurs chief Postecoglou said: “I said after the game, credit to Andy (Peaks) and his players and the people of Tamworth at the football club.“I thought they did themselves proud on the day with the way they presented everything. 90 per cent of the crowd were very good and enjoyed the banter.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“There was 10 per cent who were pretty unacceptable.“The stuff I heard was pretty vile and detestable, and getting things thrown at me, not a great experience, but we’re kind of expected to be the bigger person.“I would have loved to have turned around and not be the bigger person in that moment, but you deal with it and go on.”Postecoglou’s side will have an extra recovery session on Tuesday after the rigours of playing on Tamworth’s plastic pitch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Timo Werner picked up a hamstring injury during the cup game, ruling him out of Wednesday’s North London derby at arch-rivals Arsenal.Postecoglou, who has Richarlison back available after nearly ten weeks out with his own hamstring problem, said the club are waiting on the scan results on Werner to assess the damage.Ange Postecoglou praises hosts Tamworth after hard-fought FA Cup win The German forward, on loan from RB Leipzig, has been linked with a move to Antonio Conte’s Napoli this month.Yet Postecoglou reiterated his desire not to let any senior players go right now due to the club’s injury crisis.He added: “We can’t afford to let anyone go at the moment. Some of the young players, Alfie Dorrington went out on loan and we will probably do similar for young Will (Lankshear) because he hasn’t really played a lot.“Aside from that, we are looking at incomings if anything happens.” More

  • in

    Tottenham join transfer race for Randal Kolo Muani with PSG star ‘seduced’ by thought of Premier League switch

    TOTTENHAM have reportedly launched a bid for Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani.SunSport revealed Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are battling for his signature.Tottenham have reportedly submitted an offer for Randal Kolo MuaniCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old is being pushed out of the Ligue 1 club just 16 months after signing for almost £80million.Having made just 14 appearances across all competitions this season, he is believed to be unhappy in Paris and would be open to another move.Juventus and United are also among the clubs that have allegedly looked at the striker in recent months.However, they could be surpassed in the transfer race by Tottenham.Read More in FootballFrench outlet L’Equipe claims Spurs have today submitted a bid for Kolo Muani.Spurs have proposed a loan with the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.PSG are not willing to rush into any decision, although Daniel Levy’s “strong” relationship with Nasser Al-Khelaifi could sway things in Tottenham’s favour.Kolo Muani is understood to be “seduced” by the idea of playing in the Premier League – another factor that could give Spurs the upper hand in the race.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnge Postecoglou is determined to strengthen his squad with the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the Europa League still up for grabs this season.Spurs have already signed two new players since the start of the January window.How Spurs can destroy Arsenal’s title hopes with Ange Postecoglou ‘wheels of chaos’ tacticTeenage winger Yang Min-Hyeok joined the club from Gangwon FC on New Year’s Day.Meanwhile, goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky signed in a £12m move from Slavia Prague.The 21-year-old has already made two first team appearances, keeping a clean sheet in each. More

  • in

    Antonin Kinsky emerges as timely solution to goalkeeper problem for Dream Team bosses but for how long?

    ANTONIN KINSKY (£2.8m) has made an instant impact in the world of Dream Team.The Czech goalkeeper has banked 21 points from his first two outings since signing for Tottenham earlier this month.Kinsky has wasted no time collecting points since being added to Dream TeamCredit: Dream TeamKinsky was tossed in at the deep end in Gameweek 18 when he made his debut for Spurs against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.And he rose to the occasion with a mature performance, making six saves to keep the Reds at bay in a 1-0 victory for the hosts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.He then followed that up with another clean sheet, albeit against non-league opposition in the form of Tamworth.The 21-year-old earned three bonus points as part of an 11-point haul that made him the weekend’s top-performing asset in his position.Strong startCredit: PAIf Kinsky can complete a hat-trick of clean sheets on Wednesday night then Ange Postecoglou will be delighted as that would mean his side denied rivals Arsenal a goal at the Emirates in the highly-anticipated North London derby.Barring a clanger against the Gunners, the former Slavia Prague custodian is likely to be a popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 20 among gaffers in need of a fresh face between the sticks.Spurs are due to face low-scoring Everton in the league before a trip to Hoffenheim in the Europa League – the German outfit are 15th in the Bundesliga at present.All things considered, the North Londoners will fancy their chances of keeping at least one clean sheet across that double header.Most read in FootballJanuary is a busy month for SpursCredit: GettyLooking further ahead, Spurs will play Leicester and Elfsborg in Gameweek 21, which should also be considered a favourable prospect.Then in Gameweek 22, Postecoglou’s troops will be in action against Bournemouth and Liverpool as one of just four teams set to pull double duty (because of the Carabao Cup semi-final second legs).Spurs are far from impenetrable in defence, especially amid an injury crisis, but the schedule appears to favour Kinsky.However, Dream Team bosses keen on this strategy should be aware that the clock is already ticking.Guglielmo Vicario (£3.4m) has been pictured on the road to recovery and is expected to return in late February.Nothing is certain but one assumes the Italy international will reclaim his place in the starting line-up once he’s available for selection.Vicario is targeting a return in late FebruaryCredit: ReutersThe truth is that the goalkeeper is the least important position in Dream Team and so it’s understandable if gaffers are reluctant to use their precious transfers changing personnel every few Gameweeks.There’s plenty to be said for a set-and-forget keeper who will last until the end of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat being said, Kinsky seems to be a smart selection all the while Vicario is sidelined and it shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience to replace him six or seven Gameweeks down the line.Kinsky is currently the fifth-most popular recruit this week.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 NOW More

  • in

    Inside Pep Guardiola’s £100m empire as Man City boss splits from wife – from £2.7m pad to ‘wrecked’ £460k car collection

    FOOTBALL boss Pep Guardiola is used to dominating the football world, guiding Manchester City to trophy after trophy.But sadly, things off the pitch are not going so smoothly, following his reported split from wife Cristina Serra, who he has been with for more than 30 years.Pep’s wife Cristina has been at his side throughout his football careerCredit: GettyThe couple and their children have enjoyed lavish holidays over the yearsPep announced a sponsorship deal with Puma which is likely to have landed him a seven-figure pay dayCredit: PA:Press AssociationPep owns multiple luxury properties, has had numerous brand sponsorship deals and earns an eye-watering £19.7million a year from the Blues.But it remains to be seen how the couple, who wed in 2014, might split his fortune if they divorce, amid reports from Spain that they are still “cordial, stable and friendly”.It has been reported by Barcelona-based newspaper Sport that the pair came to a decision to separate in December while they were together in Pep’s homeland.Manchester City declined to comment about the split rumours.READ MORE CELEB FEATURESPep is said to have met his wife when he was just 18 years old, while Cristina was 16 and working in her family’s clothes store called Serra Claret.Both certainly have a good eye for the finer things in life, with Pep admitting it is his wife who often picks his pricey match-day outfits.Here we look at Guardiola’s gigantic £100million fortune, which includes a restaurant, luxury cars and a designer wardrobe that rivals most models.Stylish footballPep started off his career playing for Barcelona from the age of just 17, eventually debuting for their first team in 1990.Most read in FootballIt didn’t take long for him to be snapped up by fashion designers and by 18 he was modelling for designer Antonio Miro – which led to him meeting his wife.It was reported that every item from the Catalonian designer sold out just a few days after the event. Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferPep has guided Manchester City to huge successCredit: PAHe’s credited his wife with his style choices, which have always drawn attentionCredit: GettyIt is, perhaps, unsurprising that Pep has become known for his style at the Etihad Stadium, often sporting turtle-necks and branded jumpers instead of always going for stuffy suits. Among his outfits is his signature grey ‘hoodigan’, which was made by Theresa May’s favourite Italian designer Herno and reportedly costs £1,200.But’s he not always the one behind these iconic outfits.He said: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion. So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.“I am smart enough to know that when people are much, much better than me, follow their advice, and hers is really good.”After retiring from his playing career, Pep made his name as a superstar manager at Barcelona and Bayern Munich before signing in 2016 for Manchester City, netting himself a mega pay-day.While at Bayern Munich, he was reported to be bringing in £15million per year, netting him a cool £45million for the three years at the Bundesliga club.Pep is currently paid £19.7million a year, in a newly-extended deal that expires in 2026.Pulling powerHe collaborated with Nissan… despite having dented many of his own carsCredit: NissanPep was an ambassador for the Qatar World CupCredit: AFPPep reportedly started on £12million back in 2016, and has topped his income up on the side with some smart sponsorship deals.His most eye-popping brand partnership is with Puma, who are also the kit sponsor for Manchester City, in a deal worth £650million.Guardiola is thought to have netted seven figures for the personal collaboration.Previous brand deals have included Nissan, clothing brand Gore-Tex and – more controversially – being an ambassador for the Qatar World Cup in 2022.Home gameHe lives in a £2.7million pad in Manchester, which is also part of a hotelCredit: MENThrough the flat he has access to an 18m poolCredit: instagramSince moving to Manchester back in 2016, Pep has made the city a home and splashed out on a truly lavish flat.He spent £2.7million on the luxury home in City Suites, which is said to be in the “most desirable address” in Salford.It isn’t hard for him to embrace his passion for fashion as it’s next to designer shops as well as high-end restaurants and wine bars. The unusual residence – considering most footballers in the area opt for a sprawling mansion in leafy Cheshire – is in a private section of a 16-floor hotel.The property gives Pep access to an 18-metre indoor pool, an exquisite spa and sauna facilities as well as a 24-hour gym. Other benefits included two private parking spots, a 24-hour concierge team, dry-cleaning services and access to a private executive lounge.  It’s not his only home. Pep also snapped up an 8,000-square-foot mansion in Pedarlbes, the most expensive area in Barcelona, for a mere £8.55million back in 2021.The gorgeous white house has breathtaking views of the city thanks to its position in the foothills of Sant Pere Màrtir mountain.It features a spacious living area, a high-end kitchen, a large private swimming pool and balconies across two storeys to take advantage of the picturesque landscape.While he has two luxurious homes, he hasn’t shied away from renting pricy places too. During a one-year sabbatical in 2012, he splashed out on a fancy New York flat that set him back £19,500-per-month and overlooked Central Park.The Upper West Side abode used to be the home of other celebs including X-Files actor David Duchovny and Barbra Streisand.It boasted four bedrooms, bathrooms, and a study where Pep was said to have learned and practised German before taking over at Bayern Munich.Food for thoughtHe is one of three investors in Tast Catala in ManchesterCredit: Instagram/@tastcatalaIt is currently helmed by a chef whose restaurants have won four Michelin starsCredit: Instagram/@tastcatalaAnd it’s not just homes that Pep’s acquired over the years.He is a co-owner of Tast Catala in Manchester. The eatery opened its doors in 2018 and now has chef Paco Perez – whose restaurants have four Michelin stars between them – at the helm creating the menus. The acclaimed establishment focuses on bringing a taste of the Costa Brava to Manchester and can host up to 120 diners.While it won’t break the bank to dine there, it’s certainly not cheap, with mains costing more than £20. Pep’s also invested in another passion of his: wine.It was reported in 2021 that he had forked out £200,000 on a Spanish vineyard’s finest vintage bottles and reportedly drinks a glass or two after football matches.Friends told The Daily Star that he spent as much as £500,000 on fancy reds including the very best Riojas, prized Priorat and Ribera del Duero labels.A source said: “His main interest is that of a collector of fine vintages, and he sees the value of them as investments… Not only does he enjoy a glass of wine, he really knows his stuff too.”Drive for successThe footie boss reportedly dented his pricey BentleyCredit: BentleyOutside of his property portfolio, Pep has invested in some rather expensive motors over the years. And while they’re said to lose money the second you drive them off, the football boss has certainly managed to lower the value even further with a series of bumps and scrapes.Since moving to Manchester in February 2016, Pep has damaged a series of cars collectively worth £460,000. They included a £200,000 silver Bentley, GTX700, a £150,000 Range Rover, an £80,000 black Mercedes GLE and a £30,000 Mini Cooper.A source said: “Pep is brilliant at many things, but driving doesn’t appear to be one of them, he has struggled with the roads in Manchester and had a couple of bumps.”Pep’s Manchester City recordAfter joining Manchester City in February 2016, Pep had his first season without winning a trophy since he went into club management.The team’s form declined in the second half of the season despite a promising start.Things started to look up in the 2017-18 season after Pep identified the issues in defence the team had. Pep guided City to a record-breaking 100 points and the title, earning him a contract keeping him at the club until 2021.Under his guidance, Manchester City have won the Premier League five times and the Champions League once.They’ve also taken home a FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, two FA Cup wins, four Carabao Cups and two FA Community Shields.He has also been voted Premier League Manager of the Season four times.This season they are currently sixth in the Premier League, so it doesn’t look like Pep will be adding another title to the cabinet.Authors Lu Martin and Pol Ballus wrote in the 2019 book Pep’s City: The Making Of A Superteam: “Today he’s behind the wheel of his black Mercedes.”He has a reputation from his Barcelona days of being a hapless driver and this is his fourth car he has owned since coming to Manchester.“His wing mirrors don’t survive for long and he’s also managed to fill a diesel Range Rover with petrol and mangle a silver Bentley.”Time is moneyHe owns a series of expensive watches, which double as an investmentCredit: SuppliedHis expensive tastes don’t end with cars and clothes – he also owns an array of pricey watches.Among them was a Richard Mille (RM) RM 27-01 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal, which he was pictured with on a golf course, that costs around £590,000 due to there only being ten in the world.Other ultra-expensive timepieces seen on his wrist include a £455,000 RM 022 Tourbillon Aerodyne, a £75,000 RM 010 ‘Manchester City’ and the RM 004 All Gray, which costs more than £150,000.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast year Pep was seen wearing a RM 67-02 watch – they typically cost £228,000 but his timepiece was a United Arab Emirates edition, which is not for sale.He has also been seen sporting a £55,000 Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph 5905P and a £12,500 Rolex Cellini. More

  • in

    Ultimate Premier League table of last 25 seasons revealed with Sir Alex Ferguson’s impact on Man Utd laid bare

    THE ULTIMATE Premier League table of the last 25 years has been revealed, laying bare Sir Alex Ferguson’s incredible impact on Manchester United.The incredible list shows that the Red Devils have been the most dominant force in English football since the start of the 1999/2000 season.Man Utd have been the dominant force in the Premier League over the last 25 yearsCredit: GettyIt shows the impact Sir Alex Ferguson had, with United’s form nosediving since his 2013 exitCredit: The TimesFergie had already United to five Premier League titles by that point — as well as their famous Treble.But he still had plenty left to give the Old Trafford faithful.Fergie went on to win eight more titles before quitting in 2013.And despite United’s dismal form since his exit, they are still top of the pile when it comes to the most games won, the least games lost and their average points-per-game ratio.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSince the turn of the century, which also ushered in a new millennium, United have won 59.9 per cent of their Premier League games.Stats from OLBG show they have draw 20.6 per cent of those, which means United have only lost 19.5 per cent too.That gives them an impressive points-per-game ratio of 2, putting them ahead of second-place Arsenal.The Gunners have collected 1.95 points in the same period, with a similar loss percentage of 20 but a smaller win rate at 57.4.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSComing in third are Chelsea with 1.94 points per game.The Blues have better loss stats than Arsenal at 19.9 but fall short with a win rate of 56.8.Which football clubs could Marcus Rashford join?Completing the top four are Liverpool, who are on 1.91 points per game.Man City, Tottenham and Everton take the next three spaces, which in the modern era completes the list of teams qualifying for Europe.Newcastle, Leeds and Aston Villa make up the rest of the top 10.They are followed by Leicester, Brentford, Blackburn and West Ham.Ipswich, Charlton and Brighton also beat the drop.While the bottom three features Bolton, Stoke and Southampton — who are coincidentally bottom of this season’s Premier League too. More

  • in

    Marcus Rashford ‘prioritises Barcelona transfer but Man Utd outcast gives European giants 24-hour deadline to seal loan’

    MARCUS RASHFORD has made Barcelona his preferred new home but has slapped a 24-hour deadline on any decision, according to reports.The Manchester United outcast, 27, has fallen out of favour under new boss Ruben Amorim and hasn’t played since December 12, when he played under an hour in the Europa League clash vs Viktoria Plzen.Barcelona want Marcus Rashford with the Man Utd outcast giving the club a deadline of Wednesday to make a decisionCredit: APBarcelona boss Hansi Flick is a long-term admirer of Marcus RashfordCredit: AlamyRashford admitted he is looking for a “new challenge” with a host of European giants interested, leaving his team-mates fuming.Several clubs have since expressed an interest in signing the forward, including Tottenham, West Ham, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.But Barcelona are leading the race, with boss Hansi Flick desperate to land his long-term target, according to Sport.The German chief had chased Rashford during his time as Bayern Munich boss, citing his versatility as a major asset.READ MORE SPORT STORIESAnd now he has reignited his interested in the wantaway United forward to provide support for Robert Lewandowski amid a packed schedule.However, the Barcelona board is split as to whether Rashford is the right fit for club – both on and off the pitch.At present, the club are only willing to go ahead with a loan deal – with Rashford giving the Catalan giants a deadline of Wednesday to make a decision,After Man Utd’s penalty shootout win over Arsenal in Sunday’s FA Cup clash, Amorim remained tight-lipped over Rashford’s future.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAsked if the forward has played his last game for the club, the Portuguese boss responded: “I don’t know, We will see.”He is a player for Manchester United, we will see, he has to work.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ “He has to represent his club, and he loves his club, but I have to make choices.”I have already spoken about how I make the choices.”It is what it is, so let’s continue, let’s see the next game and, like I said, I have to make a selection.”Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by LaLiga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert. Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. More

  • in

    From scratching head in anguish to snapping at fans, the signs of Pep Guardiola’s secret ‘marriage breakdown’

    THE worst spell of Pep Guardiola’s managerial career has played out in front of the world.But in private, the Manchester City manager has also been suffering the heartbreak of the breakdown of his 30-year relationship with wife Cristina Serra.Pep Guardiola is experiencing his worst-ever season as a managerCredit: GETTYThe Spaniard worryingly revealed he wanted to harm himself and had self-induced scratches all over his head after City’s Champions League collapse to FeyenoordGuardiola had to be held back after confronting a fanChampions Manchester City are a whopping 12 points behind league leaders LiverpoolCredit: GETTYGuardiola has also been dealing with the breakdown of his marriage to Cristina SerraCredit: REXGuardiola was filmed snapping at autograph huntersPep and his wife are said to have gone their separate ways after nearly 30 years togetherCredit: PAGuardiola’s behaviour during City’s wretched run has been put down to him struggling to cope with the unfamiliar feeling of losing.He has snapped at autograph hunters and fans. He has bared his soul in interviews, branding himself “not good enough”.And while watching his team let a 3-0 lead slip against Feyenoord, the City boss became so agitated that he left scratch marks on his face.Now it appears there was a lot more going on beneath the surface – and the signs were there all along.READ MORE ON PEP GUARDIOLAReports from Spain that Guardiola and Cristina finally split last month are a reminder that one of the most relentlessly successful coaches of all time is also a human being with the same problems as anyone else.Guardiola’s on-field issues have arrived in the ninth season of his reign at City, the longest he has spent in charge of one club.But he and Cristina have been an item for more than three decades, after meeting as teenagers in 1994 and marrying in 2014.And the sacrifices as Guardiola tried to find that work/life balance will have been difficult, even at the best of times.Most read in FootballGuardiola and Cristina have been living apart since 2019 when she returned to Barcelona with daughter Valentina, the youngest of the couple’s three children.The explanation given at the time was that Cristina was taking a leading role in her family’s fashion business, Serra Claret, which is based in the Catalan city.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again Although Guardiola made trips back to Barcelona, when the hectic fixture schedule allowed, the pair inevitably ended up leading separate lives.Rumours of a split emerged in the spring. Yet soon afterwards Cristina was in Manchester to celebrate City’s unprecedented fourth title in a row and there were other public displays of togetherness, too, such as a day out at Wimbledon last July.Photos also emerged of the whole family – including eldest child Maria and son Marius – enjoying a summer holiday in Egypt.But it seems as though Guardiola went into the new season with doubts not only about his football future.His City contract was due to expire in June and speculation grew when the club confirmed in October that director of football Txiki Begiristain, Guardiola’s old Barcelona pal and close ally, would be leaving at the end of the campaign.The City boss signed a two-year extension in November as results started to slide.The following month he and Cristina are said to have agreed to end their marriage.And it seems significant that the biggest crisis of Guardiola’s reign at City has coincided with personal difficulties.His recent confrontation with autograph hunters outside his home in Manchester is just the latest example of him losing his cool.After City lost the FA Cup final to rivals United in May, Guardiola reacted angrily to goading from a supporter.Reports in Spain say Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra went their separate ways last monthCredit: GETTYPep Guardiola has kept a lid on his separation from the mother of his three childrenCredit: GETTYBut the Spaniard has had several out-of-character outbursts this seasonCredit: GETTYAnd as the club slumped from the top of the Premier League to miles off leaders Liverpool, he showed signs of stress and vulnerability that no-one had seen before.After Guardiola scratched himself during the collapse against Feyenoord in late November, he said: “I cut myself with my fingernail.“I want to harm myself.”It was an off-hand comment, a half-joke to explain why what was unfolding on the pitch was reflected in his appearance.But in these sensitive times, Guardiola had to issue a statement soon afterwards, saying: “My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self harm.”Of course it wasn’t. Yet this was just another example of the intense scrutiny and pressure that Guardiola has to live with constantly.And he freely admits he has been feeling it.When asked if he was in any way enjoying the biggest challenge of his managerial career at all, Guardiola said: “I don’t enjoy it all. I don’t like it.“I don’t sleep as good as when I won every game. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have to do it.“This shall pass, I don’t know when, but nothing is eternal, not even our lives. “Maybe it’s more unusual to win four Premier League in a row, right?“So in that moment I was stable enough, I was happy because I eat better and sleep better.”But I was not thinking differently to who I am.”I’m the same person as four Premier Leagues in a row and in that situation, I have the same doubts.”Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra became an item back in 1994Credit: GETTYGuardiola was adamant that his passion to make City succeed was undimmed and that was why he had signed the new deal.Yet he also left open the possibility that he would not be able to turn things around.Guardiola said: “If I extend, it is because I feel it. I’m not sitting here just for what I’ve done, or because still I’m happy.“Still I want to try. But I don’t want to stay in the place like I feel I’m a problem.“I don’t want to [just] because the contract is there. My chairman knows it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And I said to him, give me the chance to try to come back. And after if we are not able to do it, we have to change.”But it seems Guardiola and his childhood sweetheart have decided they were unable to carry on and had to make a change. More