More stories

  • in

    Ex-Premier League star Jesus Navas breaks down in tears as he plays final home game for Sevilla

    FORMER Premier League winner Jesus Navas broke down in tears as he said an emotional goodbye to Sevilla.The 39-year-old legend is hanging up his boots at the end of this calendar year.Jesus Navas said an emotional farewell to SevillaCredit: RexThe Spanish veteran is hanging up his boots due to a hip injuryCredit: RexNavas has played 704 times for his boyhood clubCredit: GettyNavas touched and kissed the ground where his former team-mate suffered a cardiac arrestCredit: RexNavas, who has been on Sevilla’s books for 20 years, played the last home match of his career last night as his side beat Celta Vigo 1-0.And after the game, the veteran was given an incredible send-off at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.Navas broke down in tears as he and his family were given a guard of honour by his team-mates.Supporters chanted his name and held up banners for him as the emotional Spaniard waved goodbye.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn his way around the pitch, Navas showed his class by stopping and kissing the ground where his former team-mate Antonio Puerta suffered a cardiac arrest during a match in 2007.Puerta sadly passed away three days later.Navas was 18-years-old when he made his Sevilla debut and went on to play for his boyhood club 704 times.He lifted two Copa del Reys and four Europa Leagues, with two of the successes coming while captain.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA Prem-winning four years at Manchester City from 2013 to 2017 came between his spells at Sevilla. Navas initially announced he was leaving in May but chairman Jose Maria del Nido then offered him a lifetime contract.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDespite managing 71 minutes in his final appearance, the versatile winger hangs up his boots due to a chronic hip injury.Navas admitted he “can’t take” playing through the pain anymore.On the international stage, he won the World Cup and two Euros with Spain.Fans held up a huge banner in honour of NavasCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Fans convinced Carlo Ancelotti has had lip fillers as reason for Real Madrid manager’s swollen mouth is revealed

    FANS were transfixed by a lip-smacking thriller – before wondering if Carlo Ancelotti had lip-swelling filler.Viewers were open-mouthed with astonishment over the Real Madrid manager’s swollen bottom lip in a press conference following a 3-3 draw at Rayo Vallecano.Viewers were entranced by Carlo Ancelotti’s lips when he faced the mediaCredit: X @marcaJude Bellingham had earlier netted as Real Madrid drew 3-3Credit: AFPAncelotti saw his Real team fail to move top of LaLigaCredit: GettyMany fans were convinced the legendary ex-Chelsea chief must have had botox treatment or an operationOne posted: “What’s wrong with your lip? Have you had surgery?”Another claimed: “I’ve been giggling about Ancelotti’s lip filler since I woke up”  A third wrote: “Can someone explain to me what Ancelotti has done to his lips?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe unexpected debate about Ancelotti’s facial features came after Jude Bellingham netted for a sixth LaLiga match in a row.The last player to do that was Karim Benzema, also for Real, eight years ago.But the draw means Ancelotti’s men remain a point behind neighbours Atletico Madrid and leaders Barcelona.So one fan felt able to ask: “Why did Ancelotti get lip filler. This is not a serious club.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpanish outlet mundodeportivo say his large lips were due to an allergy.But it didn’t save the former Bayern Munich and Everton boss from less than generous jibes.Jude Bellingham’s glorious England moment brought back in stylePlenty of fans on social media made up their own mind over the cause of the apparent swelling.One wrote: “Ancelotti has punctured his lips or is it just me.”Another said: “Ancelotti has been more concerned about his lips than about today’s game.”That was particularly unkind as Real recovered from trailing 2-0 to lead 3-2 through Federico Valverde, Bellingham and Rodrygo.But Isi Palazon rescued a valuable point for second-bottom Vallecano.So for Ancelotti it wasn’t a case of all’s swell that ends swell. More

  • in

    Brighton 1 Crystal Palace 3: Ismaila Sarr scores twice after Trevoh Chalobah as Eagles STUN rivals

    ISMAILA SARR inspired Crystal Palace to rip through rivals Brighton, with a helping hand from Michael Oliver.The Eagles ended Fabian Hurzeler’s unbeaten home run in the Premier League, leaving The Amex stunned and silent.Crystal Palace picked up a huge Premier League win at BrightonCredit: AlamyCrystal Palace ace Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring against BrightonCredit: GettyIsmaila Sarr sealed the three points for Crystal Place with a braceCredit: GettyBrighton were held up by a fighting Crystal PalaceCredit: ReutersSarr, signed to replace Michael Olise, grabbed a superb double after Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring against the run of play – with Oliver hindering Brighton’s defending in the build-up to the first goal.Marc Guehi gave Brighton a late own goal but not even he will care on reflection.It lifted Oliver Glasner’s men further from trouble at the bottom. After a rotten start to the season, they have now lost just one in their last eight.Palace had not beaten Brighton in their last six attempts in this rather bizarre rivalry.Read More on FootballThe way the visitors started looked as if that trend was set to continue.Glasner was throwing his arms up in the air at his side’s attempts to play out, with Marc Guehi getting lucky on one occasion when robbed of the ball yards from the touchline.But Brighton could not capitalise on Palace’s nervousness and the momentum swung thanks to Oliver’s shoulder and some shocking defending.Palace began a rare break. Carlos Baleba moved to stop Eberechi Eze in his tracks but was prevented by the referee being in his path.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs officials only need to stop the game if the ball hits them, play was allowed to continue and the Eagles won a corner and then another, from which they struck.Will Hughes whipped a ball to the near post which, after missing Jean-Philippe Mateta, should have been easy to defend.Crystal Palace star Marc Guéhi talks about his road to 100 Premier League appearances But Brighton made a mess of it. The ball struck Jean Paul van Hecke and fell for Sarr, unmarked yards from goal.The winger could not quite connect, but Chalobah was also left alone and free to convert his second goal since joining from Chelsea.Brighton collapsed from there. Palace were showing strength the hosts could not match.Bart Verbruggen saved well from Daniel Munoz three minutes after the first, but was helpless to stop Sarr moments later.The visitors clipped a deep free-kick out towards Tyrick Mitchell. Both he and Tariq Lamptey, who was hooked at the break, effectively ducked the header, leaving the ball to bounce off Mitchell’s back.He turned and swung a fine cross to the far post, where Sarr had been allowed to glide between two blue and white shirts to nod in.It could have been three before the break, though Eze headed just wide from a Munoz cross.Julio Enciso was thrown on at the interval and Hurzeler, after spending the first half venting at officials, had clearly saved a bit of that anger for his players.They emerged with an intensity which had been desperately lacking before half-time, though they could not keep it up.Maxence Larcroix had to block an effort from Kaoru Mitoma before Dean Henderson made a smart stop from Lewis Dunk’s header.The England keeper was hardly tested in the first half, but was far busier now, making a flying save to stop the electric Enciso.Glasner made changes of his own, with Daichi Kamada and Eddie Nketiah coming on while Eze hobbled off.Brighton had failed again to take advantage of Palace’s early wobble after the restart and soon the visitors were causing trouble again.Munoz had the ball in the net for a third, what would have been his third in four games, but the goal was ruled out correctly for a foul by Sarr in the build-up.With Nketiah through the middle Palace were again a threat on the break.The former Arsenal man went close at the near post before feeding a ball through to Sarr, who was stopped by Verbruggen.He was not to be denied next time around. Palace again showed more fight as Hughes and Nketiah beat their men to headers, sending Sarr in.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe beat Dunk to the ball before slotting past Verbruggen and making straight for the jubilant Palace fans.Not even a late and chaotic Guehi own goal, after Henderson fumbled the ball at a corner, could dampen their spirits. More

  • in

    Elon Musk told which EFL club he should buy if he wants to follow Ryan Reynolds and Tom Brady into English football

    ELON MUSK has been urged to buy an EFL football club.The X owner, 53, is now said to be worth more than £300bn ($400bn).Elon Musk is worth more than £300bnCredit: ReutersRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney co-own WrexhamCredit: PATom Brady co-owns Birmingham with majority owner Tom Wagner, leftCredit: GettyMusk has previously joked that he will buy Manchester United.But football financial expert Dr Rob Wilson feels that the multi-billionaire should emulate the likes of Ryan Reynolds and Tom Brady by looking further down the pyramid.Per RDG Today, Wilson said: “If Elon Musk wants to get into football club ownership, Cheltenham Town are an extraordinarily interesting prospect, particularly to the US market.”Millions of people in the US love British culture, particularly quintessential Middle England and the Cotswolds where Cheltenham is based.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You’ve got these beautiful rolling hills in the background, you’ve got the racecourse so there is a really powerful story and a powerful narrative at a club like Cheltenham.”They are up and coming and could be a great prospect.”Cheltenham Town currently find themselves 13th in League Two.The Robins were relegated from League One last term, having struggled for several years to maintain a spot in the third tier.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMusk has been urged to buy Cheltenham TownCredit: PAHollywood A-lister Reynolds, 48, has enjoyed incredible success with Wrexham.Alongside It’s Always Sunny star Rob McElhenney, Reynolds has helped Wrexham climb from the National League to League One.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAThey now find themselves in a promotion battle with Birmingham City, who are owned by American Tom Wagner, with NFL icon Tom Brady possessing a stake.Wrexham were watched by Hollywood superstar Channing Tatum at the Racecourse Ground yesterday, with the actor joining pal Reynolds at the game.Elsewhere, A$AP Rocky has been linked with a shock swoop for Tranmere Rovers.While another financial expert has tipped Kim Kardashian and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to move for EFL clubs.Kim Kardashian has been urged to purchase an EFL clubCredit: GettyA$AP Rocky has been linked with Tranmere RoversCredit: Splash More

  • in

    Wolves already working on deal to hire Gary O’Neil manager replacement who sparked Everton fan revolt

    WOLVES are working on a deal to appoint Gary O’Neil’s successor, according to reports.O’Neil was sacked following a 2-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Ipswich – Wolves’ fourth consecutive defeat.Wolves are working on a deal to appoint Vitor PereiraCredit: GettyGary O’Neil was sacked following defeat to IpswichCredit: ReutersBut Wolves chiefs have wasted no time in their search for his replacement, with Vitor Pereira targeted.The Premier League club are already working on a deal to appoint Pereira, report The Athletic.He is currently in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab but Wolves are prepared to pay his release clause to lure him to the Prem.It is claimed agreeing personal terms should be straightforward as Pereira is keen on the switch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis knack for discipline and “emotional understanding” are reportedly characteristics which appeal to Wolves.O’Neil oversaw just two wins from 16 Prem games this season with the last two defeats ending in brawls between his own players, as well as opposition stars.Pereira would bring plenty of experience to the dugout at Molineux, having managed 13 clubs.He has won six trophies including two titles with Porto, and league wins in Greece and China with Olympiacos and Shanghai SIPG.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPereira took charge of current team Al-Shabab in February and led them to an eighth-placed finish.He has continued that success this season with his side sixth in the league after picking up seven wins in 13 games.Wolves players and staff clashing with one another after full-timeAfter leaving Fenerbahce in December 2021 Pereira was tipped to take over at Everton.But a fan protest, including a spraypainted message ‘Pereira out, Frank [Lampard] In”, spurned the move. More

  • in

    Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho DROPPED for Manchester derby as Amorim breaks silence on shock Man Utd axings

    MARCUS RASHFORD and Alejandro Garnacho were DROPPED from Manchester United’s derby day squad travelling to City. The forwards were not named in United’s starting 11 or subs bench ahead of the Sunday evening trip to City. Marcus Rashford Alejandro Garnacho have been left out of Manchester United’s derbyCredit: APLeading the line for United is Mason Mount, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund with Antony and Joshua Zirkzee benched. And explaining his decision, United boss Ruben Amorim said: “We try to evaluate everything training performance, game performances, engagement with team-mates, push their team-mates up.”Everything is on the line when we analyse and try to choose the players. It is my selection. Simple.“I don’t want to send a message it is simply an evaluation and they know it. The players are really, really smart. READ MORE IN football “Everybody understands my decision and I have to choose. It is simple selection.“Of course the context is difficult because we have to win games and we have a difficult situation now. “I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put your clothes to go to a game. Everything. I make my evaluation and then I decide.“There is a communication after the last training. They are alright. They had training this morning and I was there. They trained really well.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRashford started against Plzen mid-week in the Europa League with Hojlund’s double leading to a 2-1 win. But the England international has been on the bench for United’s last two Premier League games.Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Red Devils scrape past Viktoria PlzenOn his last Prem start, Rashford scored twice as his side beat Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford.But this will be the first time the attacker has been omitted from the matchday squad altogether. He has seven goals in 24 appearances this season while Garnacho has eight in 24. More

  • in

    Title-winning memorabilia of Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham being sold for staggering £100,000 on eBay

    WREXHAM promotion-winning memorabilia was reportedly being sold on eBay for £100,000.The Red Dragons have enjoyed back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One under the Hollywood ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Memorabilia from Wrexham’s last two promotions was reportedly put on eBayCredit: PAThe listing seemingly featured three match-worn shirts and two medalsCredit: EBayThe price increased from £40,000 to virtually £100,000Credit: eBayTheir return to League Two in 2023 ended their 15-year absence from the EFL. The fairytale story has attracted a wave of interest on both sides of the Atlantic due to the American links – thanks in no small part to the popular Disney+ doc Welcome To Wrexham.And, according to the Daily Mail, one unnamed Wrexham player was offering a superfan the chance to get their hands on the ultimate signed goodies.It is claimed a private seller, called “2013goods” had placed three Macron match-worn red home Wrexham shirts up for sale on eBay. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTwo of those were seemingly from last season – with one signed by the squad – while the third was from the previous campaign.Alongside the shirts were two medals – one with the Vanarama ribbon from the National League title success and the other with the SkyBet branding from their League Two promotion when they finished as runners-up. The private seller, who allegedly has sold 81 items with a 100 per cent positive rating, described the listing: “This is an amazing opportunity for football fans to own a piece of history. “The owners Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney Wrexham AFC Official Promotion Medals 22/23 23/24, along with the match jerseys and signed top, make this a must-have for any collector of sports memorabilia.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”This unique item is perfect for fans original piece signed by the players themselves. “The memorabilia includes signed shirt, making it a valuable addition to any collection. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of football history.”I’ve tried for the last three years to join Wrexham but I think my surname will stop me, admits ex-Premier League star James Chester The Mail report adds that the items were initially put up for sale for £40,000.However, it was then said to have been bumped up to 1p shy of £100,000 with a delivery charge of £13.35 on top of the six-figure sum.It is claimed 54 eBay users were watching the listing that was only available as a “buy now” option and no bidding auction. However, the post is unable to be found by the public and the Mail claim it has ended.But the report does not state whether the unavailability is because the items were purchased for the £99,999.99 price or if the listing was removed and deleted by the seller. Wrexham could be on course for a hat-trick of successive promotions this season.They currently sit third in League One, just two points behind leaders Wycombe and one off Birmingham. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds oversaw the return to the EFL after 15 yearsCredit: GettyIt is unclear who was selling the items and whether they were bought or the listing was deletedCredit: AlamyWrexham are looking to make it three promotions on the bounceCredit: PA More

  • in

    Man City vs Man Utd LIVE SCORE: Marcus Rashford NOT in United squad for crunch Manchester derby – latest updates

    A HUGE derby awaits in Manchester as City and United go head-to-head in a colossal Premier League clash at the Etihad this afternoon.And the headline team news is that Marcus Rashford has been left out of the Man Utd squad.The Red Devils will be looking to pounce on their local rivals, with Pep Guardiola’s side claiming just one win from their last 10 games in all competitions.But United don’t exactly go into today’s blockbuster clash in scintillating form after back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.That said, new boss Ruben Amorim has got the better of Guardiola once already this season, with his Sporting side smashing City 4-1 in the Champions League back in November.Kick-off time: 4.30pm GMTStream/TV: NOW/Sky Sports Main EventMan City team: Ederson, Dias, Walker, Gvardiol, Bernardo, Nunes, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Foden, Doku, HaalandMan Utd team: Onana, Maguire, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Amad, Mount, HojlundFollow all the action with our live blog below…ArrivalsMan Utd players were earlier spotted walking through the tunnels under the Etihad Stadium as we continue to build towards the big one,Copy linkCopied’I could see anything’Former Man Utd star Phil Jones has no clue how the game is going to go today, with both teams struggling for form and consistency.Jones told 5 Live: “Manchester United played a big part in my life and I obviously want them to do well.” I am a bit more nervous watching them than being able to do anything on the pitch.I could see anything today, I really could. It could see a 0-0. I could see a 4-0 to City. I could see a 4-0 to United. “I don’t think anyone can anticipate what is going to happen today!”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMore from AmorimThe Portuguese boss continued: “Of course the context is difficult because we have to win games and we have a difficult situation now. “I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put your clothes to go to a game. Everything.”I make my evaluation and then I decide.“There is a communication after the last training. They are alright. “They had training this morning and I was there. They trained really well.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd mole?Ruben Amorim’s starting XI was leaked earlier on Sunday with the starting line-up matching the exact team that was reported.Amorim has now spoken on Sky Sports to explain his decisions, with both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho missing out.He said: “We try to evaluate everything – training performance, game performances, engagement with team-mates, [how they] push their team-mates up. “Everything is on the line when we analyse and try to choose the players. It is my selection. Simple.“I don’t want to send a message, it is simply an evaluation and they know it. The players are really, really smart. “Everybody understands my decision and I have to choose. It is [a] simple selection.”Copy linkCopiedCountdown is onWe’re just 45 minutes from kick off here and the Etihad is starting to fill up very nicely…Copy linkCopiedExpect goalsRecent meetings between the two suggest this afternoon’s Manchester derby is going to be FULL of goals…touch wood.A whopping 24 goals have been scored in the last five Prem meetings between the two bitter rivals.Here is a look at the last five Manchester derbies that have taken place in the league:Man City 3-1 Man Utd (March, 2024)Man Utd 0-3 Man City (October, 2023)Man Utd 2-1 Man City (January, 2023)Man City 6-3 Man Utd (October, 2022)Man City 4-1 Man Utd (March, 2022)Copy linkCopiedFernandes on the task aheadMan Utd captain Bruno Fernandes says the Red Devils must focus on fixing their own problems rather than thinking about Man City’s torrid run of form.The Portugese playmaker said: “It doesn’t change anything for us, how they are in this moment, because we have to think about ourselves,” the United skipper said.”We all know that this is a huge game and they have huge players. They’re probably not winning as much as everyone would expect them to do.”But we have to focus on ourselves because we’re not being at the level we want to be, so we can’t think about the momentum of the others.”We just have to think about ourselves and do the job we have to do to get in better positions, and we need points in the league so it doesn’t matter who we play against.”We know it’s City, a huge derby. We know what it means for the fans and it means a lot for us too, so we just have to go to the game and win without thinking who we have ahead.”Copy linkCopiedGoal HaalErling Haaland may not be in the best form of late, but you certainly can not count him out of today’s Manchester derby.Last season’s Golden Boot winner has just three goals from his last 10 Premier League games, which, by his high standards, is far from his best.But Haaland does enjoy scoring against Man Utd – the Norweigan has bagged six goals in four league appearances against the Red Devils.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd XIOnana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Dalout, Ugarte, Mount, Fernandes, Adam, Hojlund.Subs: Bayindir, Lindelof, Malacia, Yoro, Casemiro, Eriksen, Mainoo, Antony, Zirkzee.Copy linkCopiedMan City XIEderson, Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Nunes, Foden, Doku, Haaland. Subs: Ortega Moreno, Stones, Kovacic, Grealish, Savinho, Simpson-Pusey, Mubama, O’Reilly, McAteeCopy linkCopiedMan Utd team newsRuben Amorim has no fresh injury concerns following United’s 2-1 win against Viktoria Plzen on Thursday night.Jonny Evans returned to training this week and may come into the Red Devil’s back three.Left-back Luke Shaw remains sidelined.Copy linkCopiedMan City team newsAcademy graduate Rico Lewis will be unavailable for the Manchester derby after he was sent off against Crystal Palace last weekend.Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic returned to the matchday squad against Juventus on Wednesday night – and both could be handed a starting place this afternoon.Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji are all unavailable to face United.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGood afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the Manchester derby!Today’s blockbuster match will see bitter rivals Manchester City and Manchester United go head-to-head at the Etihad.The Red Devils will be looking to pounce on City’s unprecedented poor form of late, with Pep Guardiola’s side claiming just one win from their last 10 games in all competitions.The champions find themselves NINE points behind leaders Liverpool, but they will be aiming to take all three points this evening to close the gap to six after the Reds were held to a 2-2 draw with Fulham yesterday.United are also not in the best of form at the minute after back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.The Red Devils were almost embarrassed in the Europa League on Thursday night after Viktoria Plzen took a 1-0 lead at Old Trafford following another defensive error.But Rasmus Hojlund’s double spared United’s blushes as they look to build some momentum under new boss Ruben Amorim.The young Portugese coach has already got the better of Pep Guardiola this season, with his Sporting side smashing City 4-1 in the Champions League back in November.Amorim will be hoping his new side can follow suit as he gets his first taste of the Manchester derby this afternoon.Copy linkCopied More