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      ‘I’ll cut off my testicles’ – Sergio Aguero makes bold Man City vs Real Madrid prediction

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      SERGIO AGUERO made an incredibly bold prediction for Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid.The two titans faced off in the Champions League play-off round after struggling through the league phase.The two sides faced off in the Champions LeagueCredit: PASergio Aguero had said he would be shocked if Real Madrid beat Manchester CityCredit: GettyManchester City have been out of sorts for most of the season while their Spanish opponents are leading LaLiga.The two were going head to head in a two-legged fixture in order to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.The first leg of the tie was played at the Etihad and Aguero, 36, believed his former side could not lose.The retired striker was so confident that he jokingly offered to dismember himself if he was wrong.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking on the Som I Serem FCB Podcast, he said: “Real Madrid can not beat Man City.”If they beat City, I will cut off my testicles.”Aguero has more disdain for Real Madrid than the general City legend, having also played for Barcelona during his career.He joined the Catalonian side in 2021 but only played four league games before being forced into retirement for medical issues.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan City manager Pep Guardiola had also spoken about the clash against Real Madrid.He had declared that his players are good enough to get a result against the 15-time winners.Erling Haaland falls down in training as Man City prepare for Real Madrid clash He said: “We are where we are, and I know perfectly but the team has something special and hopefully we can prove it.“I will not deny how I trust with the players who gave us that incredible decade, winning a lot of things and playing a high standard, I know what we are capable of.”However, Aguero will be hoping people forget about his promise after City blew a 2-1 lead to lose the first leg 3-2.Meanwhile, Aguero is gearing up for an intensive boot camp in motorsport.He is set to compete in Formula E’s new Evo Sessions and will come up against the likes of Brooklyn Beckham.Bellingham clinched the comeback victory with a late goal More

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      Everton star Mykolenko makes same heartbreaking phone call daily to parents to make sure they’re still alive in Ukraine

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      EVERTON star Vitaliy Mykolenko has opened up on the heartbreaking daily phone call he makes to his parents back in Ukraine.The full-back, 25, is set to be in action in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.Vitaliy Myolenko could feature in Wednesday’s Merseyside derbyCredit: RexBefore the game he will check in with his parents, as he does every morning.Mykolenko’s dad, Sergei, and mum, Olesia, still live at their family home near Kyiv in war-torn Ukraine.With Russia continuing to bomb Ukraine, as they have done since invading in February 2022, Mykolenko makes sure to phone his parents before heading to Everton’s Finch Farm base for training.Speaking to the Mirror, he said: “I ask, ‘Are you OK?’ Sometimes it is bad news, they couldn’t sleep, sometimes it is OK.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It is hard for me to be here but harder for them because they are there.”They don’t know what can happen this night or the next night when they are dropping missiles and bombs at night. You never know.”As a top-level athlete and member of the Ukraine national team, Mykolenko continues to inspire those back home.Stars of other sports such as Elina Svitolina and Oleksandr Usyk have also had an inspirational effect – with Mykolenko having met the latter.Most read in FootballHe said: “I think he’s the best sportsman at the moment in Ukraine, the best boxer in the world.”He’s a good guy. I spoke with him a few times when he came to visit us with the national team.Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with classy message to Tyson Fury after victory in heavyweight rematch”He’s a very calm guy, very friendly. [You] can ask him everything, how he prepares for the big fights, it’s interesting to listen to him about how it is difficult.”I know he was on the front line, not many times but more than once.”You can help the people on the front line financially but sometimes it is better to help mentally.”Mykolenko missed out on Everton’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth over the weekend.But boss David Moyes has confirmed that the left-back has returned to training and could be back in contention.The Scot, 61, will have to do without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Dwight McNeil and Orel Mangala. More

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      Man Utd to sack up to 200 MORE staff as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s hated cuts continue with flops the ‘worst team in history’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to axe up to 200 more staff in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest brutal cost-cutting move.The British billionaire paid £1billion for 27.7 per cent of the club last year and has since gone to desperate measures to fix finances at Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to axe more behind-the-scenes members of staffCredit: AlamyFans have already protested the Ineos regimeCredit: AFPThe Sun understands that between 100-200 employees will be sacked in his latest bid to reduce costs.All departments are at risk of seeing their numbers slashed.A source exclusively told The Sun: “Ultimately, football is a business but there are hundreds of people who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes who contribute to any club’s success. “Morale is already on the floor after last year’s job losses. This will come as another big blow.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes after Ratcliffe made 250 of the 1,150 workforce redundant in July.Man Utd have lost £300million across the past three years and despite cash injected by the Ineos regime, the long-term picture remains “challenging”.Ratcliffe is determined to bring the glory days back to the club and is willing to transform things on and off the pitch to do so.Man Utd are understood to be exploring every option to save money and increase revenue.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut the news comes just a day after the New Zealand rugby team sued Ineos for “failing to pay sponsorship fees.”Ratcliffe’s controversial first year at United included raising ticket prices, getting rid of Sir Alex Ferguson from his £2.16m per year ambassador role and cancelling the staff Christmas party.Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen’He even ended the £40,000 donation to a fund that helped ex-Man Utd players after retirement and replaced staff’s £100 festive bonus with a £40 M&S voucher. Senior members of the behind-the-scenes team saw their company credit cards and private cars cancelled.And when Man Utd made the FA Cup final in May, Ratcliffe ended staff perks like free travel, food, a party and accommodation for the trip Wembley.All while there has been little to cheer on the pitch this season, with the team languishing in 13th in the table.Manager Ruben Amorim even admitted relegation was a “possibility” earlier this season and called his side the “worst United team in history”. The club announced at the end of last year that they were going to scrap concessions and hike ticket prices to a minimum of £66 each for members – the most expensive lowest price in the Premier League.It led to fierce criticism from club legends like Paul Scholes and fans protested with banners that read: “Stop exploiting loyalty.”Supporters also vented their anger at Ratcliffe after their 1-0 win over Fulham three weeks ago, with X-rated chants and a confrontation with the owner as he left the stadium at full-time.United have still spent heavily in the transfer market, splashing £190million on new players in the summer.But there are concerns over breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules should more work not go into balancing the books.READ MORE SUN STORIESRatcliffe, meanwhile, has grand plans to build a new stadium dubbed the “Wembley of the North”.The government has backed the proposed project to redevelop the Old Trafford area and construct a 100,000-seater ground.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      ‘Goalkeepers should be complaining’ – Fifa referees chief Pierluigi Collina calls for major penalty rule change

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      PIERLUIGI COLLINA, arguably the world’s greatest ever referee, has proposed a a major rule change to penalty kicks.The Italian is currently the chairman of the Fifa Referees Committee.Pierluigi Collina has proposed a change to the penalty kick rulesCredit: GettyHe has suggested the ball should be dead if saved by the goalkeeperCredit: ReutersThe legendary ref hung up his whistle back in 2005 but remains well respected in football.He believes that goalkeepers should be complaining about the current penalty rules.Collina has insisted the attackers should not be allowed to take advantage of a rebound if the initial shot is saved.His plan would mean that if the penalty is saved, the ball is then dead and then leads to a goal kick.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCollina, 64, told Repubblica: “I believe there is an excessive gap between the opportunities available to the attacker and those of the goalkeeper.”On average, 75 per cent of penalties are already scored, and often, the penalty kick is a bigger chance than the one taken away by the foul.”On top of that, the attacker is also given a chance to play the rebound off the goalkeeper. In my opinion, goalkeepers should be complaining.”I’ve already mentioned this in discussions we’ve had at IFAB.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”One solution is the ‘one shot’ rule. Just like in penalty shootouts after extra time.”No rebound. Either you score or play resumes with a goal kick, period.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs Liverpool”This would also eliminate the spectacle we see before a penalty is taken, with everyone crowding around the area.”It looks like horses at the starting gates before the Palio di Siena (a traditional Italian horse race with jockeys riding bareback).”He has also suggested that the introduction of offside technology is a benefit to the game.He added: “At 40 metres from the goal, perhaps two centimetres are not decisive, but in the penalty area they become so.” More

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      Champions League final could be moved to US for first time after Uefa make major change

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      THE PROSPECT of the Champions League Final being played in the USA has grown – after Uefa dumped its long-term media sales arm for an American company.Lucerne-based Team Marketing devised the Champions League logo and have sold the competition worldwide since the European Cup was relaunched more than 30 years ago.The Champions League final could be held in the USA in the futureCredit: GettyOne potential venue could be the Metlife StadiumCredit: Getty – ContributorBut Uefa and the European Club Association have now announced it intends to engage New York-based Relevent Sports for a six-year contract from  2027.And that opens the door to European football’s showpiece game being staged on the other side of the Atlantic.Uefa and the ECA run the Champions League and other club competitions through their “joint venture” UC3, with the governing body having a 51 per cent stake.Now the UC3 board – with representatives from both parties – announced it has “entered an exclusive period of negotiation with Relevent Sports over the global commercial rights” to the competitions from 2027-2033.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUC3 cited the decision followed an “open tender process” but means the end of more than three decades of association with Team.Relevant Sports, created by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, has organised and run the summer International Champions Cup, regularly involving European and Prem giants, since 2013.The company has also worked with the Premier League on its Summer Series pre-season event.But Relevent are desperate for “meaningful” competitive matches involving the biggest European teams to be played on US soil.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe company sued Fifa and US Soccer after it was blocked from staging LaLiga games in the US and won a victory as the two bodies withdrew from the court case.Fifa then gave its blessing for “out of territory matches” to be staged.Champions League draw sees Man City to face Real Madrid in blockbuster knockout phase While Prem chiefs have continued to insist that matches will not be played outside the UK – a message reinforced by chief football officer Tony Scholes last week – Uefa have given more mixed messages.In 2023, Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin described the idea of the Champions League Final being played in America as “a possibility” although senior Uefa figures then maintained it was not on the agenda.After this year’s final in Munich, the 2026 showpiece is scheduled for Budapest’s Puskas Arena.But future venues remain up in the air and the deal with Relevent seems a further indication that including US stadiums on the Final rota will be firmly back on the agenda.Aleksander Ceferin has previously been open to the possibilityCredit: PA More

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      Inside amazing plans for Goodison Park as Everton’s home of 133 years gears up for final Merseyside derby vs Liverpool

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      EVERTON have made important plans for their historic Goodison Park home.The Toffees are set to leave their stadium of 133 years for Bramley Moore Dock at the end of the season.Everton are set to leave Goodison Park at the end of the seasonCredit: AFPThe Toffees have launched the Goodison Legacy ProjectCredit: ukgbcFrom the beginning of next term, David Moyes’ side will play around two miles south west of their traditional Goodison base.But that does not mean that they will allow their community to be forgotten.Everton, who will play Liverpool on Wednesday night in the final Merseyside derby at their historic home, submitted the Goodison Legacy Project to local government in April 2020.The plan includes several ways in which the 3.39-hectare site can remain an important community asset beyond the Toffees’ departure.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEverton’s plans aim to provide affordable and social housing with 10 new development blocks featuring 173 residential units.A new health centre is also set to be built, in addition to residential care facilities and an education facility.The Project commits to building a park, providing new green spaces for local residents.While new office spaces could provide job opportunities for locals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEverton will move to their new Bramley Moore Dock homeCredit: AFPEverton have also committed to keeping plenty of reminders of the club’s significant footprint in the area.The famous statue of club legend Dixie Dean will remain, rather than being moved to Bramley Moore Dock.Everton boss David Moyes tries to look forward after Tottenham win While Goodison Park’s iconic southwest gates will also stay put.Everton’s new £760million Bramley Moore Dock home is set to boast a 52,888 capacity.It will open its doors for the first time next Monday, as the Toffees’ Under-18s host Wigan.The friendly match will serve as a test event for the new stadium, with 10,000 spectators set to be in attendance.Two more test events will be scheduled prior to its full opening at the start of next season.Meanwhile, a “Farewell to Goodison” festival is set to take place between May 30 and June 1.The event is set to feature appearances from club legends, as well as live music.The iconic southwest gates of Goodison will remainCredit: Getty More

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      From injury hell to ending trophy drought, why Tottenham are refusing to sack Ange Postecoglou despite crisis campaign

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      FAIR to say Tottenham fans are conflicted about Ange Postecoglou right now.Alarmed by the team’s slide down the league and last week’s exit from the cups, some are beginning to question whether he is the right man for the job.Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has survived several dismal monthsCredit: PAChairman Daniel Levy is not willing to let go of the Aussie yetCredit: GettyRicharlison is one of 11 first-team players out injuredCredit: GettyMost understand that his crippling crock crisis has decimated his season, and many feel it is only fair to judge him properly when he has his key men back.Numbers crunched by SunSport have shown Spurs have had it far worse with injuries this term than any English club competing in Europe.Though others feel it is not enough to explain away the awful league form and have serious reservations about how open the team can be, particularly in midfield.Ultimately, the only person’s opinion that really matters is that of the man who does the hiring and firing – chairman Daniel Levy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe supremo, who turned 63 on Saturday, has never had a problem dismissing bosses before, having axed 12 permanent managers previously in his 25-year tenure.Yet he has resisted the urge to make a change this season despite Spurs plummeting to 14th and exiting the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.Levy himself is believed to have sympathy for the severity of the injury situation, with ELEVEN first-team players sidelined against Aston Villa on Sunday.It is a big factor as to why Postecoglou is still in a job and expected to remain so going into Manchester United at home on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut there is a good argument to be had to believe Spurs will likely keep faith with Postecoglou for the remainder of the campaign at the very least – barring an absolute disaster.Beyond the hierarchy’s understanding regarding injuries, there is the fact that the club are still in the Europa League, which, when they have their stars back, they have a genuine chance of winning.Under-fire Tottenham boss Postecoglou finally breaks silence on EFL boss’ injury jibe with brutal 10-word responseTottenham have had 213 absentees across their 39 fixtures so far this seasonThat would not only provide them a route back into the Champions League but also end their 17-year trophy drought.Victory last weekend at Brentford has allayed any fears of being sucked into a relegation fight.The gap to the drop zone is ten points and given the big-hitters are returning, it is fair to expect the dire league form only to improve from here.Crucially, Postecoglou is believed still to have the players behind him.Star player Dejan Kulusevski was emphatic in his response as to why the 59-year-old was still the right man for Spurs when speaking to the media a fortnight ago.The Swede replied: “Because we had games when we showed perfect football.“Football that not many teams can play in the world. We played beautiful games against United, against City 4-0 so I think he is the right man.“We play for him. We want to win for him and to be honest we have similar ideas.“I am very positive as a guy and I always want to play that football he wants.“I have to fight for him because I believe in that football too. Yes, I think he’s the right man.”Dejan Kulusevski has backed Tottenham to turn things around under Ange PostecoglouCredit: PAAs difficult as the last ten days have been, victories over Elfsborg and Brentford proved Postecoglou can still get results even with his absentee list being in double figures.Making a change before the end of the season would likely result in the embarrassing scenario of a caretaker having to be put in charge again.That potentially could be Ryan Mason for a third time, after short stints following Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte’s exits.That is because to lure a permanent successor, such as Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth or Kieran McKenna from Ipswich, two bosses understood to be appreciated by the Spurs’ higher-ups, mid-season is viewed as very difficult to pull off.There would also be the factor of having to pay off yet another manager, with Postecoglou contracted until 2027 and believed to be on £6million a year.Levy in particular has found himself to be Public Enemy No1 in recent weeks with fans relentlessly calling for him to go during the Villa game.The heat is already mainly on him but it would be on him and him alone if he axes yet another manager.Levy is regularly booed by fans at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: AlamyAll of this is not to say that Postecoglou is bullet-proof between now and the end of the season, by any stretch.Lose the players or see his relationship with Levy break down and it would likely be terminal for the Aussie.While the pressure to deliver will crank up when his players return and absentees can no longer be an excuse, as legitimate a one as it has been these past few months.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there has been a desire from the Spurs’ hierarchy to give Postecoglou time – perhaps more time than his predecessors – to prove he is the man for the task.So for the Spurs fans who have had enough already and are calling for change before the season is out, Levy’s uncharacteristic resolve so far would suggest they should not bank on it happening. 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      I left Man Utd as I couldn’t be the player I was paid to be – that heartbreak will never leave me

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      LOUIS SAHA has admitted that leaving Manchester United broke his heart.The striker spent four years at Old Trafford before his exit to Everton in 2008.Sir Alex Ferguson signed Louis Saha in 2004Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe scored 28 goals in the Premier League for the clubCredit: PA:Press AssociationSaha, 46, enjoyed his time at Old Trafford with 28 goals in 86 appearances in the Premier League.The Frenchman arrived at the club in 2004, having impressed Sir Alex Ferguson during Fulham’s win over the Red Devils.Saha hit the ground running after his transfer with seven goals in his first 10 games.Towards the end of his time at the club, injuries had started to affect his position in the squad.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFerguson had started to pick the likes of Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Saha.This led to Saha leaving Manchester United for Everton in a move that he admitted was hard to take.He told The Athletic: “It was absolutely heartbreaking. “That feeling will never leave me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I left the club because I felt like I couldn’t give that kind of guarantee that this club needs for a No 9.”Someone that should represent the kind of link for those two players to grow.Paul Scholes tells Ruben Amorim Man Utd are staring relegation in the face unless they make seven new signings “I could not play those 15-20 game minimums (per league season).”It was really, really strange. When I missed the Champions League final, I couldn’t see myself being in that position again.”So I asked to go and it was really against my desire, almost. I wanted to stay for life but the club grew.”Former Tottenham Hotspur star Dimitar Berbatov was signed as Saha’s replacement.He has admitted that it was a relief due to the Bulgarian’s success at Old Trafford.He added: “If I remember, Dimitar Berbatov took my place.”I was happy because this player was amazing.”Who are these famous footballers? More