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      Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about staying

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      GARY Lineker has said he felt the BBC wanted him to leave Match Of The Day to “change the programme”.Lineker, 64, stepped down from MOTD in May last year and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup final and World Cup.Gary Lineker has said he felt the BBC wanted him to leave Match of the DayThe pundit stepped back from the show in May last yearCredit: BBCSpeaking to the BBC’s Amol Rajan, the pundit was asked why he would choose to leave.”Well, perhaps they want me to leave. There was the sense of that,” Lineker said.”I always wanted one more contract, and I was umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to do three years [more].”In the end, I think there was a feeling that, because it was a new rights period, it was a chance to change the programme.Read More on Lineker”I think it was their preference that I didn’t do Match of the Day for one more year, so they could bring in new people.”But Lineker said the new set up “suits me perfectly”.There were questions previously regarding the England legend’s future and many wondered if he would sign with another channel amid intense speculation involving Sky Sports.However, the former hitman insisted he will not be seen on any TV rival and will instead be doing podcasts.Most read in FootballLineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”David Beckham set sights on becoming next Gary Lineker as he lands TV chat show & lines up host of A-list pals as guestsLineker admitted that there were talks with Sky but he was too loyal to the BBC.The ex-Barcelona star will be focusing on his esteemed Goalhanger Podcasts, which consists of shows including The Rest Is Football, which he hosts alongside MOTD pals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is History.Astonishingly, all 13 pods collectively achieve more than 40million downloads a month.And according to Podwatch, who get their data from iTunes and Spotify, Goalhanger Podcasts occupy the top four spots in the UK.Lineker added: “We’ve had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC.”I could have earned a lot more, though I know I’ve been well paid anyway, obviously.”I’ve had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC, and also how it helps everything else you do.”It’s not only the kudos, the audience is much bigger. More people still watch Match of the Day than probably the biggest live game on Sundays.”Also, I’m quite loyal. I’ve had the same guy cut my hair for 40 years, the same guy training me in the gym for 30 years, the same agent since I was 18…”David Beckham set sights on becoming next Gary Lineker as he lands TV chat show & lines up host of A-list pals as guestsBy Andy RobinsonFOOTBALL legend David Beckham has his sights set on becoming the next Gary Lineker after landing his first TV chat show.The ex-England captain will host Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+ and guests may include his pals Gordon Ramsay, Tom Cruise and Ryan Reynolds.Viewers in the UK and US can watch as Golden Balls sips wine with the A-list stars and chats about the action during Champions League matches.The first two episodes will be live from London ­covering the semi-final second legs between Inter Milan and Barcelona, and PSG and Arsenal on May 6 and 7.Becks, 49, will then fly out to Germany, for the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, but he is tight-lipped about who might join him.Speaking from his Miami home in Florida, he told America’s CBS Golazo sports network: “I’m really looking forward to turning up with a few mates, a few glasses of wine, watching the game and great conversation.”He previewed rehearsals for the show, anchored by UCL Today’s Kate Scott, in a cosy studio featuring house plants, armchairs, books on coffee tables and a homely rug.Another Instagram clip had him being embraced by Arsenal and Barcelona legend Thierry Henry, who teased him about his old club Real Madrid losing to Arsenal.A lucrative move into punditry could see Golden Balls replace Lineker, who is stepping down from Match of the Day, as Britain’s favourite football broadcaster.It comes off the back of his hugely successful Netflix documentary series Beckham, which offered a never-before-seen insight into his life and playing career.An insider said: “It is a huge deal for the channel and shows just how big David is in America.“He has become a global icon.“Both sides are winners. “It is a big money deal but will raise his profile even higher in America.“It will also bring a lot of viewers in.“David has shown with his Netflix docs that he is comfortable in front of the camera but this will see him live and unedited. “It will make for great television.”It was announced in January he will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan.Asked why a trio are needed, Lineker previously told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that.”I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do.”They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.”Lineker also opened up about his BBC suspension in March 2023 after he posted comments on X.He took to social media to hit out at the then Illegal Migration Bill, which banned migrants who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.Lineker’s former co-hosts on Match of The Day, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have also stepped back from the show in a sign of solidarity to Lineker.He told Rajan: “I don’t regret saying them publicly, because I was right – what I said, it was accurate – so not at all in that sense.”But, Lineker said he would not do it again “in hindsight” – despite dubbing the fallout “nonsense” and “a ridiculous overreaction”.He said: “I wouldn’t do it again because of all the kerfuffle that followed, and I love the BBC, and I didn’t like the damage that it did to the BBC… But do I regret it and do I think it was the wrong thing to do? No.”Read More on The SunThe BBC updated its social media guidance in 2023 after a review sparked by Lineker’s tweet controversy.A spokesperson said at the time that presenters of flagship programmes, such as Match Of The Day, “carry a particular responsibility to respect the BBC’s impartiality, because of their profile on the BBC”.Thanks for the matchday memories, GaryBy Joshua Jones, Sports ReporterFOR as long as I can remember, Gary Lineker has been the No1 football presenter. Born a few years after his retirement as a player, I have no memories of my own of Lineker on the pitch – for Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham or England.Instead, I grew up with him as a regular in our lounge on a Saturday night, hosting Match of the Day. For more than two decades, it has been Lineker, the increasingly silver fox, who provided a sense of continuity and stability, an ever-present regardless of which pundits joined him in the studio and which teams made up the Premier League season after season. An astute understanding of the game, his charming persona and his consistency over the years have made him a firm favourite. It is telling that MOTD continues to be such a success and must-watch viewing for so many in an era when all the goals and incidents from Premier League matches are available well before 10.30pm on a Saturday night. He always seemed to hit the right note, too – whether he was required to make a sombre, serious announcement live on air or signing off the show with one of his trademark quips.In recent years, he has not been afraid to speak his mind more and more, thanks in part to his platform as the top-paid BBC presenter and his huge profile outside of the MOTD studio – namely on social media and on his own podcast.His long run in the Match of the Day hot seat means, for many football fans of my era, our whole football journey has been accompanied by Lineker – from the heights of Premier League title wins and FA Cup upsets to the depths of relegation and, of course, heartbreak with England.Because while the bread and butter Match of the Day is the Saturday night highlights, Lineker has also been the main man for the Three Lions’ major tournaments, having to console millions of BBC viewers after gut-wrenching defeats to Croatia, Italy, France and Spain in recent years while he himself, as big a football fan as any of us, mourned another missed opportunity.There is one Lineker moment that stands out above the rest, though. Of course, Lineker Road in my hometown of Leicester beside the old Filbert Street stadium got its name thanks to his goalscoring exploits for his beloved Foxes.But he deserved a far greater honour for what he did on August 13, 2016, famously presenting MOTD in his (very baggy!) pants, coming good on a promise he vowed should Leicester win the title. And somehow he kept a straight face through it all. Ironically, the biggest compliment many people can pay Lineker as MOTD host is that they didn’t know he was a footballer – he is not just an ex-pro who has made a smooth transition from the stadium to the studio but is instead a brilliant TV presenter in his own right, regardless of his status in football.That is proven by the very fact Lineker succeeded the iconic Des Lynam in 1999 as MOTD host so successfully.It will require another fine presenter and plenty of time to follow in his footsteps as a new era begins.They may well succeed, too, but no one will ever really replace Lineker – what he means to so many football fans and the role he plays in countless memories over the last 25 years. Thank you for everything, Gary. Gary Lineker has outlined plans for after Match of the DayCredit: YOUTUBE / The Rest Is FootballThe former footie legend is set to focus on his podcastsCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd close in on Matheus Cunha transfer with £62.5m Wolves star ‘swayed’ after Ruben Amorim tunnel chat

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves, according to reports.There is set to be yet another revamp of the squad this summer with the Red Devils looking to freshen up their attack.Man Utd are closing in on a deal to sign Matheus CunhaCredit: GettyCunha and Ruben Amorim spoke in the tunnel at Old TraffordCredit: BEIN SPORTSRuben Amorim has already laid down some of the groundwork by talking to key target Cunha, 25.The pair reportedly spoke at Molineux and were spotted conversing at Old Trafford as Wolves beat United 1-0 at the weekend.United are inching closer to securing a deal to sign the Brazilian but are still yet to activate his £62.5million release clause, according to the Daily Mail.Newcastle are set to rival United for Cunha with Eddie Howe said to be planning to use the forward as support for Alexander Isak on the left flank.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother player in Amorim’s sights is Liam Delap.The Ipswich star has scored 12 goals in his maiden Premier League campaign and will be available for a cut price of £30m when the Tractor Boys are relegated.Chelsea are also considering activating his release clause with other Prem clubs likely to keeping tabs on the striker.United could also freshen up their attack by signing Antoine Semenyo and Eberechi Eze.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever their eye-watering price tags of £70m mean any deal hinges on who leaves Old Trafford.Players on big wages like Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho may have to depart before further transfers are completed. ‘Better than what we currently have’ – Man Utd fans drooling over Wayne Rooney’s son Kai’s goal for academy team More

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      Man Utd fans say Antony ‘deserves another chance’ as loanee nets stunning volley with weaker foot for Real Betis

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      MANCHESTER UNITED player Antony continues to impress during his loan stint at Real Betis.The winger joined United in 2022 following a staggering £86million deal with Ajax.Manchester United loanee Antony scored for Real Betis with his weaker foot at GironaSome Man Utd fans believe Antony deserves a second chance at Old TraffordBut the Brazil international never lived up to his billing at Old Trafford as he only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances.The 25-year-old ultimately fell out of favour upon Ruben Amorim’s arrival at the dugout and was thus loaned out to Betis during the January transfer window.However, Antony has drastically improved in Spain, where he already counts a total of six goals and four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.The ex-Ajax star continued to impress during Sunday’s LaLiga clash at Girona where he helped Manuel Pellegrini’s side pick up a 3-1 victory.Read More on Man UtdAntony scored Betis’ second with a clinical right-footed volley after a beautiful cross by Romain Perraud on 39 minutes.In fact, the Brazilian hit the back of the net with his weaker foot, which left Man Utd fans in absolute awe.So much so, that some United supporters urged the club to give the loanee another shot next season.One fan tweeted: “He deserves another chance IMO.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother commented: “Anthony balling.”A third wrote: “What a finish too. Antony for Ballon D’Or!”Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis This fan said: “Guy is back.”And that one stated: “Come back!” More

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      Kevin de Bruyne opens door to shock Premier League transfer – here’s why he could play for any club in top flight

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      IT seems Kevin De Bruyne isn’t ready to leave the Premier League just yet — and nor does any English football lover want to say goodbye.So, is there a single club in the top flight who wouldn’t benefit from signing the Belgian genius on a free this summer?Kevin de Bruyne has opened the door to shock Premier League transferCredit: GettyDe Bruyne announced he was leaving City on Instagram at the start of the monthManchester City’s GOAT has been sent to the knacker’s yard by Pep Guardiola but De Bruyne doesn’t sound as if he is heading for filthy-rich semi-retirement in some socially backward nation such as Saudi Arabia or Trumpland.It was telling De Bruyne stopped to be interviewed by reporters after Saturday’s 2-0 win at Everton and his message was clear — ‘I can still play at this level’ and ‘I’m open for anything’.A move to Serie A, where veterans are welcomed, or the Bundesliga, where he was voted Footballer of the Year while at Wolfsburg in 2014-15 — his final season before joining City — feels more likely than a stay in the Premier League.But there was none of the usual, ‘City is in my heart, I could never play against them’ yadda yadda from De Bruyne.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd why should there be when the club he has graced for a decade didn’t offer him so much as a one-year contract with a pay cut? So surely somebody in the Premier League will make De Bruyne a serious offer to stay in England, where he is settled with his young family?The problem is that KDB turns 34 in June, while recruitment chiefs and analysts are all obsessed with youth and resale value.De Bruyne’s sublime passing ability and immense trophy-winning experience don’t fit in with the ‘projects’ and ‘policies’ of most top-flight clubs, where too many boardroom suits are desperate to prove themselves the  smartest men in any room.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere won’t be many plaudits handed out for the no-brainer of signing an obviously wonderful player on a free.All of City’s current rivals for Champions League football should be in the running for De Bruyne — Aston Villa, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and even Chelsea — the club which ditched him as a youngster and currently have the most dogmatic, ageist transfer policy of all.Man City legend Kevin De Bruyne talks about his contract situation at the club De Bruyne’s form has dipped during City’s struggling seasonHe might not play every week and those clubs might all have attacking midfielders with similar profiles — although none possess the same visionary passing range.But great players can always play together and any club competing in Europe needs a serious range of options.Most unlikely but intriguing, of all would be De Bruyne performing a ‘reverse Tevez’ and heading to Manchester United — where chaos reigns and the Belgian’s quiet authority would be a boon.Yet when asked about the player last week, Ruben Amorim spoke about his abilities in the past tense and wished him all the best for “the rest of his life”.And if it wasn’t for all of his medals, wouldn’t De Bruyne be an archetypal Spurs player?Or what about Everton, with David Moyes needing some creative spark as he looks towards a new stadium and a brave new world?De Bruyne has won the lot with Manchester CityMoyes is old school enough to recognise the value of experience.Or perhaps even Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, who worked with De Bruyne at City, would fancy a pop?Guardiola is usually a pretty good judge of when a player has reached the end of his shelf-life — the £47.5million sale of Raheem Sterling to Chelsea felt like a huge gamble at the time but he has been proved correct.Maybe he’s right again with De Bruyne, whose fitness record has been patchy in recent seasons.Read More on The SunOr maybe KDB can find a new home in England and come back to haunt City?All it needs is for somebody in the Premier League to find the ‘imagination’ to do the bleeding obvious and then we can find out.Guardiola is usually a pretty good judge of when a player has reached the end of his shelf-life More

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      Tottenham 1 Nottingham Forest 2: Nuno’s men take huge step towards Champions League as Spurs suffer further humiliation

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      NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO will have dreamt of delivering Champions League football at Tottenham once upon a time.The Portuguese never came close to it unfortunately because Daniel Levy sacked him after only 17 games in charge back in 2021.Nottingham Forest got back to winning ways at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyElliot Anderson’s deflected effort opened the scoring in the fifth minuteCredit: GettyBefore Chris Wood doubled Forest’s lead 11 minutes laterCredit: RexRicharlison scored late on to give the home side hopeCredit: GettyBut Nuno took a huge step to qualifying for Europe’s elite club competition at Spurs as his Forest side recorded an easy win back on his old stomping ground.Early goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood, who also had another ruled out for offside, did the damage to send the Tricky Trees up to third, even though Richarlison got one back late on.And despite a recent wobble of back-to-back defeats, plus the quality competition they face to finish in the top five, Nuno’s men will fancy themselves now given their favourable run-in.After Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City – in itself a massive fixture in Forest’s recent history – their last five to complete the term are all very winnable.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBrentford on the beach at home, then away to a Crystal Palace side who could be preparing for a cup final.A home-banker to relegated Leicester is followed by a trip to a West Ham side desperate to see the end of the campaign.Then a final-day hosting of Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, who are in the mix for the Champions League but hardly look invincible. Indeed, they may look the most likely to miss out.Most read in FootballNuno Espirito Santo’s side got back to winning ways at his old groundCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn an already a dream season, they could not have hoped for a better crack at it than this.As for Spurs, where’s that meme of a gutted Ange Postecoglou slumped over on the touchline when you need it.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt From the high of Thursday’s win at Eintracht Frankfurt to an 18th league defeat of the season.Spurs had had one of their best nights in ages with that gritty 1-0 in Germany.Not only did it put them into the Europa League semi-finals and keep their trophy dream alive.But it most probably saved Postecoglou from the sack and was convincing evidence that his players are still playing for him.This, however, was a reminder of why the Aussie was under such pressure in the first place as an abysmal league campaign got worse.And to old boss Nuno, to rub further salt into the wounds of the Spurs fans who bothered to turn up in a stadium dotted with unoccupied seats all around.It was not just the result that left home supporters feeling empty but the manner of the performance.Once again, Spurs were so easy to play through and create chances against.Ange Postecoglou looked devastated as Spurs were beaten for the 18th time this seasonCredit: ReutersTottenham played a lot better in the second half, but it wasn’t enoughCredit: GettySpurs have lost four of their last five Premier League gamesCredit: GettyFor a team in such good nick as Forest, breaking down Postecoglou’s brittle backline was easy.Morgan Gibbs-White fired a warning shot on four minutes which Guglielmo Vicario dived low to his left to push away.A minute later and Nuno’s side were ahead through a preventable goal, from Spurs’ perspective.Pedro Porro tried to clear Anthony Elanga’s corner but his header was weak.It fell perfectly outside the box for Anderson, whose powerful drive deflected off Rodrigo Bentancur and fizzed up past Vicario.One looked to have become two only five minutes on when Wood converted Anderson’s pinpoint cross but VAR spotted the New Zealander to have been narrowly offside.Ultra-focused Forest shook off the frustration and on 17 minutes it was definitely 2-0, with Wood bagging his 19th Prem strike of the season.The powerhouse forward, whose former clubs Burnley and Leeds both won promotion back to the big time on Easter Monday, rose to meet Elanga’s cross and flicked it into an empty net.Vicario had attempted one of his Superman-esque punch-outs to clear the delivery but got nowhere near it.The Italian’s effort to keep out the goal summed up Spurs’ display in the opening 20 minutes: misjudged, sluggish, not good enough.Forest fans were in dreamland though, singing ‘Up the Champions League we go’ as their team threatened to run riot. Spurs did have chances to get back in it from there. Of course they did, this is Postecoglou’s side after all.Mathys Tel lashed well wide after Neco Williams had got a clearance all wrong.Harry Toffolo cleared one off the line just after the hour markCredit: ReutersRicharlison then somehow headed the wrong side of the post from a few yards, possibly being put off by Pape Matar Sarr being in his eyeline.After the break, Harry Toffolo’s outstanding volley on the goal-line to hack the ball away was the only thing stopping Dejan Kulusevski’s header from pulling one back.Then Matz Sels stepped up as he has done so often this season to deny Richarlison’s shot.Postecoglou finished the game with four forwards as he sent on Dominic Solanke and Forest old-boy Brennan Johnson to join Tel and Richarlison, who was again denied by a stunning Sels save.But Nuno’s brave Forest withstood the pressure.The question is, can they do the same and hold on in the race for the Champions League?This display, back at the place he very briefly called home, will have given their manager renewed belief that they can.Read More on The SunRicharlison did grab a goal back in the 87th minute, powerfully heading home Pedro Porro’s cross.But it proved only to be a consolation – albeit one that injected some late tension into the clash – as Nuno’s side held on for a precious win in the Champions League race.Richarlison did grab a goal back late on after heading home Pedro Porro’s cross More

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      Fire alarm at Stockley Park sees VAR SCRAPPED in middle of Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest match as statement released

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      VAR was temporarily axed during Tottenham’s clash with Nottingham Forest after a fire alarm at Stockley Park.Referee John Brooks and assistant Dan Robathan were forced to flee the west London officials hub at half-time.VAR was axed mid-game due to a fire alarm at Stockley ParkCredit: ReutersForest were leading Spurs 2-0 when VAR went downCredit: GettyNuno Espirito Santo’s side went in at the break 2-0 up after goals by Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood.And by the time the second 45 minutes begun, the refs were still unable to return to the building in West London.A brief Premier League statement confirmed the news, which read: “The match will be operating without VAR until further notice due to a fire alarm at the VAR Hub at Stockley Park.”Technology was out of use for around eight minutes in second-half before things returned to normal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second Prem tweet said: “VAR is now back up and running”.The system was fortunately not called upon while it was out of action.But fans found the situation hilarious, with one saying: “We had freedom for about one minute.”Another added: “Whoever set the fire alarm off deserves a raise.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third laughed: “Quick, someone go break the emergency glass again.”By the time of the fire alarm, VAR’s new semi-automated offside technology had already been used at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt Wood had headed the ball into the back of the net but the goal was chalked off as the Forest striker went too early.Yet it took him just seven minutes to score a goal that did stand after heading home an Anthony Elanga cross.Tottenham improved after the break, and Richarlison netted a late goal. But Spurs couldn’t find another and Forest won 2-1 to boost their Champions League qualification hopes. More

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      David Beckham set sights on becoming next Gary Lineker as he lands TV chat show & lines up host of A-list pals as guests

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      FOOTBALL legend David Beckham has his sights set on becoming the next Gary Lineker after landing his first TV chat show.The ex-England captain will host Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+ and guests may include his pals Gordon Ramsay, Tom Cruise and Ryan Reynolds.David Beckham will host Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+Beckham and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry enjoying a conversation on setBecks has his sights set on becoming the next Gary LinekerCredit: BBCViewers in the UK and US can watch as Golden Balls sips wine with the A-list stars and chats about the action during Champions League matches.The first two episodes will be live from London ­covering the semi-final second legs between Inter Milan and Barcelona, and PSG and Arsenal on May 6 and 7.Becks, 49, will then fly out to Germany, for the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, but he is tight-lipped about who might join him.Speaking from his Miami home in Florida, he told America’s CBS Golazo sports network: “I’m really looking forward to turning up with a few mates, a few glasses of wine, watching the game and great conversation.”READ MORE ON DAVID BECKHAMHe previewed rehearsals for the show, anchored by UCL Today’s Kate Scott, in a cosy studio featuring house plants, armchairs, books on coffee tables and a homely rug.Another Instagram clip had him being embraced by Arsenal and Barcelona legend Thierry Henry, who teased him about his old club Real Madrid losing to Arsenal.A lucrative move into punditry could see Golden Balls replace Lineker, who is stepping down from Match of the Day, as Britain’s favourite football broadcaster.It comes off the back of his hugely successful Netflix documentary series Beckham, which offered a never-before-seen insight into his life and playing career.Most read in FootballAn insider said: “It is a huge deal for the channel and shows just how big David is in America. I apologised to Olympic boxing hero’s mum after David Beckham mistakenly said she’d died live on TV, reveals Gabby Logan “He has become a global icon.“Both sides are winners. “It is a big money deal but will raise his profile even higher in America.“It will also bring a lot of viewers in.“David has shown with his Netflix docs that he is comfortable in front of the camera but this will see him live and unedited. “It will make for great television.”Behind the scenes of David’s new showThe former England captain arriving for rehearsalsAn advert for David’s new show Beckham & Friends More

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      Troy Deeney SENT OFF just minutes into return to football as clash descends into chaos

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      TROY DEENEY was sent off on his return to football following a cynical challenge.Deeney, 36, laced up a pair of boots for the first time after his retirement with Forest Green Rovers in 2024 when he rolled credits on a 20-year career.Troy Deeney was sent off just minutes into his Baller League debutDeeney was shown a red card after pushing opponent Tareiq Holmes-Dennis off the ballChaos quickly ensued with Holmes-Dennis looking to return the favour to DeeneyThe former striker rolled back the years on Baller League as he was called up to compete for Wembley Rangers, who are managed by Arsenal legends Ian Wright and Chloe Kelly.Wright and Kelly decided to utilise their “wildcard rule”, which allows teams to bring in a player for one match. And their pick was EFL cult hero Deeney, who stepped up for the Baller League match against FC RTW at the Copper Box Arena in Stratford.But just minutes into his debut, the Watford legend lost the plot and lunged onto opponent Tareiq Holmes-Dennis with a reckless push off the ball.Read More on FootballThat led to an intense melee with both teams clashing on the pitch in front of the live crowd.Holmes-Dennis was furious as he ran back towards Deeney and returned the favour.The FC RTW ace was so incensed that even referee Mark Clattenburg couldn’t calm him down.In fact, Holmes-Dennis also shoved Clattenburg – albeit in a much lighter way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat incident gave the legendary Premier League ref no other option but to send Deeney off.Wembley Rangers went on to lose the match 4-3, which left them 10th in the 12-team table.I grabbed director of football by the throat and picked him off the floor in front of my team-mates, reveals Troy Deeney This marked Deeney’s return to a football pitch for the first time since January 2024 when he was let go as player-coach at Forest Green Rovers. More