Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal files: Gunners line up £55m Jules Kounde bid with Mikel Arteta ready to rub salt in Chelsea’s transfer wounds

      by

      ARSENAL aren’t just preparing for the biggest European clash in their modern history, but also for a busy transfer window.The Gunners may be 120 minutes away from earning a place in the Champions League final, but they’re miles away from Premier League title rivals Liverpool.Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side are preparing for a Champions League semi-final on Tuesday nightCredit: AlamyMikel Arteta and his team are already hard at work at finding the right recruits to move Arsenal closer to ending their wait for a league title next season.In this week’s edition of Arsenal Files, SunSport’s Jordan Davies and Martin Lipton lift the lid on potential new signings and the build up to Tuesday’s MASSIVE Champions League semi-final.CROWN JULESBarcelona’s Jules Kounde has emerged as a potential defensive target as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his squad.France ace Kounde is now the established first choice right back at the Nou Camp after joining from Sevilla in a £42m move when he rejected an offer from Chelsea to stay in La Liga.But the 26-year-old Parisian had previously signalled his preference for playing in the middle of the defence, a versatility that has massive appeal to Arteta who is ready to make a £55m offer if he senses a deal is possible.Another plus-point in Kounde’s favour is his fitness record.He had played 104 straight games for Barca before finally being rested for the midweek win over Mallorca but will return for this weekend’s Copa del Rey Final against Real Madrid and the Champions League semi-final first leg with Inter.Prising Kounde out of Catalonia might be difficult with Barca coach Hansi Flick seeing his pace in a high defensive line as a vital asset and his contract having two more years to run.But Arsenal’s Euro run and Prem near-misses could help turn the defender’s head if he is seeking a change of scenery.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS’I already mentioned that twice’ – Mikel Arteta takes issue with reporter’s question as Arsenal title hopes all but endGIFT OF THE GABWhile the attention of many Gunners fans has been on who might come in this summer, it seems Mikel Arteta is making moves to ensure one of his key on-field lieutenants makes a long-term commitment.Arsenal are ready to begin new contract talks with Gabriel this summer – despite the significant hamstring injury that ended the Brazilian’s season prematurely.In his five years since arriving from Lille, Gabriel’s influence has grown, even more so since the arrival of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.Before sustaining his season-ending injury against Fulham he had scored five this season, including the September North London derby winner at Spurs, taking his Arsenal tally to 20.Gabriel’s central defensive partnership with William Saliba has been a cornerstone of the Gunners’ emergence as part of the new Prem and Euro elite.Indeed, without his South American pal, Saliba has recently appeared slightly less secure – making costly mistakes against both Real Madrid and Crystal Palace.Gabriel, 27, has been targeted by Saudi Pro League clubs including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.But Arsenal believe he wants to stay at the Emirates and are ready to instigate extension talks even though he still has two years left on his current deal.Mikel Arteta is keen to sign Gabriel down to a new dealCredit: GettyBARREN SPELLPSG boss Luis Enrique showed Champions League semi-final tetchiness after being probed on striker Ousmane Dembele’s current goal drought.Former Barcelona wide-man Dembele’s astonishing run of 24 goals in 18 games across three competitions included vital Champions League strikes against Manchester City and Liverpool.But Dembele, 27, has gone five without finding the net since scoring in the 3-1 win over Marseille on March 16, including both quarter-final legs against Aston Villa as PSG wobbled at Villa Park.He was hooked after barely an hour of the midweek draw at Nantes and seemingly unimpressed with the decision to bring him off.Pressed on the player’s state of mind ahead of next week’s semi-final first leg in North London, Luis Enrique reacted huffily, accusing his inquisitor: “I don’t know. You make up stories sometimes.“Everyone manages their emotions as they want, can, and know how to.”Ousmane Dembele is the top scorer in Ligue 1 this seasonNEW KIDS ON THE BOXEthan Nwaneri broke another milestone in Arsenal’s 4-0 victory at Ipswich last weekend.The 18-year-old added a goal to his growing tally in a spectacular breakthrough season in the senior side – making it nine goals in 34 appearances in all competitions.But perhaps even more impressively, he then spoke to reporters in the mixed zone at Portman Road post-match for the first time.Nwaneri handled what can be a nerve-wracking moment brilliantly. He spoke calmly yet passionately, opening up and showing a side that not many outside the club have seen, cracking a smile with considered and thoughtful answers, going into detail on how he has handled being thrust into the spotlight under Mikel Arteta, leaving us wanting more.As one of the three journalists to chat with him, it was remarkable to even consider that here was a teenager not long out of school, who had navigated it so well and, seemingly, with little fuss.In our chat, there was inevitably talk of his childhood pal and team-mate Myles Lewis-Skelly, and how their bond has made his step-up into the first that bit more special.Lewis-Skelly, the more outgoing of the two, has already participated in his fair share of media duties, including a mixed zone at the Emirates earlier in the season.But Nwaneri is growing in confidence every day when it comes to expressing himself, not just with the media, but around the training ground and with his team-mates.Arsenal are immensely proud of the duo, not just for their impact on the pitch, but off it too.The club takes incredibly seriously the responsibility of preparing young academy players for life away from the walls of London Colney, and that includes media training, especially for those featuring in the U18s and U21s.Academy manager Per Mertesacker is a huge advocate of this, treating off-field preparation as important as tactical intelligence or work in the gym.And when it comes to looking for role models to learn from in mixed zones, Mikel Merino, Oleksandr Zinchenko, David Raya, Declan Rice and William Saliba, to name a few, are regular post-match speakers.Nwaneri revealed at Ipswich: “It’s testament to the way that the players treat us.“They treat us like we’re men, ever since we first came in. They’ve treated us well, like we’re part of the team, so that’s just how we feel now.“Declan [Rice] and Bukayo [Saka] are very close to us. They help us out, they keep us grounded, they lift us up when we need it as well. They’ve been brilliant.”Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have established themselves as first team players this seasonCredit: GettyTHROWING POINTS AWAYArsenal twice blew a lead to draw with Palace in midweek, throwing away yet more points with Liverpool set to comfortably stroll to the Premier League title.Of all ironies, the Reds could win it on Sunday against North London rivals Tottenham at Anfield.The Gunners are set to finish runners-up for the third successive year, and they only have themselves to blame again – this time with too many draws.Wednesday’s 2-2 result was their 13th Prem draw – only 13th-placed Everton have more [14] – and their ninth from winning positions, two more than any other side.It is the most since Spurs did the same in 2007/08 when they finished 11th under Martin Jol and then Juande Ramos, the same year they lifted their last trophy in the shape of the League Cup.It is also now 18 points dropped from winning positions this season. Only twice have Arsenal ever dropped more in the Prem [21 points in 2019-20 and 20 points in 2001-02 when they won the league]. In comparison, Liverpool have dropped 11.Had both teams kept those points, Liverpool would still be five ahead, but the title race would have been far more gripping and competitive in the final weeks.Looking at those nine Prem draws from winning positions, five of them have come at the Emirates, with only one in controversial fashion – the 1-1 draw with Brighton in August following Declan Rice’s bizarre sending off for denying the taking of a free-kick.Of the other four away from home, only a dubious penalty against William Saliba earned the Seagulls another point in January.Arteta can rightly point to injuries and unfortunate red cards and refereeing decisions hampering his side, but they have also been their own worst enemies at times.Arsenal have dropped 18 points from winning positions this seasonCredit: AlamyKEEPER IT SIMPLEPalace boss Oliver Glasner revealed on Wednesday that his analysts had pointed out pre-match that David Raya was often high off his line, something they showed the players as something to potentially exploit.They did just that. Raya was caught off his line and away from the middle of his goal as Saliba’s mistake was pounced on by Jean-Philippe Mateta with the Frenchman then chipping in off the bar into an empty net.Mateta also said at full-time: “When I started on the bench, I watched the first half. He [Raya] was very high, so I knew if we won the ball high, I could try – so I did, and scored.”This was not a fluke, and Raya was almost caught in the first half as his wayward pass was intercepted by Adam Wharton only for the midfielder’s shot to be blocked by Thomas Partey.Raya has, rightly, been hailed not just for his save-making abilities this term but his comfort with ball at feet, starting attacks from deep and racing out of his box to cut out threats.But is this a chink in the until-now bullet-proof armour that opposition teams will look to target from now on?It is understood that Arteta views this as a one-off embarrassing gaffe as opposed to a concerning issue that requires major changes at this late stage of the season.Regardless, you will bet that Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique will have watched the game with interest ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg at the Emirates on Tuesday.David Raya could be targeted by the opposition for coming so far off his lineCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League club set to double size of stadium by 2028 as they reverse controversial decision after two decades

      by

      BOURNEMOUTH are buying back their stadium as plans to more than double the capacity gather pace.The Cherries were a cash-strapped League One club when they sold Dean Court to property firm Structadene for £3.5million in December 2005.Plans for Bournemouth to double their ground capacity have acceleratedCredit: ReutersIt comes after the club revealed they are set to buy back their stadiumCredit: AlamyAmerican owner Bill Foley revealed the club want to have a massive capacity upgrade within two-and-a-half yearsCredit: GettyNews of the purchase was announced at the official opening of the the clubs new training facility at Canford Performance CentreCredit: GettyOwner Bill Foley has revealed they will repurchase what is now known as the Vitality Stadium in a big season on and off pitch.The Vitality is currently the smallest stadium in the Premier League by some distance, with a capacity of 11,307 – almost 6,000 seats fewer than Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.But Foley is overseeing significant investment in infrastructure as well as bankrolling the club’s ambitions on the pitch.The American billionaire, speaking at the official opening of Bournemouth’s state-of-the-art £40m Performance Centre, said: “I’m pleased to inform you that we have come to terms on the acquisition of Vitality Stadium and we should be closing that shortly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“And we also are preparing our pre-application to the council with regard to expanding and renovating the stadium, with the goal being within two and a half years, we’ll have 20,000 seats.“With the further goal, if things work out well, to go into 23,000 seats.“It’ll allow us to provide more hospitality, it’ll allow us to take care of some of the 15,000 people that are currently on our waiting list and the stadium will be completely renovated. “It’s going to be beautiful. And we looked at other options. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We looked at building a new stadium and working that out, we finally decided it would take us about five or six years.“So in this case, we will renovate this stadium and we’ll do it in such a way that no fans will be disrupted, it won’t be shut down, everyone will have their seat and then we’ll move forward and be able to start expanding our base.”The Cherries recently unveiled their new state-of-the-art training centreCredit: X @afcbournemouthThe new facility cost £40m and has been likened to a James Bond villain lairCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Luis Figo ‘SPLITS’ from Swedish model Wag with pair ‘leading separate lives’ as football icon ‘moves out of family home’

      by

      LEGENDARY Portuguese footballer Luís Figo and his stunning Swedish model wife Helen Svedin have reportedly separated, according to Spanish media.The former Real Madrid and Barcelona star, 52, and the 50-year-old blonde beauty, who tied the knot in 2001, have ended their romantic relationship.Luis Figo is regarded by many as one of the best talents of his eraCredit: EPAHelen Svedin has three children with Luis FigoLuis Figo was so good he won the Ballon D’orCredit: Getty ImagesFigo, who has attended events with his wife over the years, was recently spotted alone at the Laureus Awards, where he named his daughters Daniela, Martina and Stella as the best thing to have ever happened to him, but left out his wife.Spanish outlet Vanitatis has reported that both Figo and Svedin are now “leading separate lives,” although there has been no official confirmation of a separation.Spanish publication Marca adds that Figo had already temporarily left the family home for two weeks three years ago.Marca also reports that Figo had been linked to model Claudia Bavel, who previously claimed to have had a relationship with his former teammate Iker Casillas. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the 2000 Ballon d’Or winner denied these rumours and threatened legal action.Figo and Svedin, who have three children together, appeared to have it all. A glamorous marriage filled with lavish holidays, red carpet events, and more. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKYet, behind closed doors, there seemed to be trouble brewing.Most read in FootballFigo, who has kept a relatively low profile since his retirement from football, has been focused on his post-soccer ventures. While Svedin has continued to enjoy the limelight in the fashion industry.The couple’s love story captured the public’s imagination. Figo, one of football’s most dazzling stars, met Svedin in 1996.Luis Suarez appears to try to BITE player… but quickly stops when he realises it’s his own team-mate When she was at the height of her modelling career. It wasn’t long before they fell head over heels for each other, and their whirlwind romance led to a marriage that seemed straight out of a fairytale.But, as with everything in life, it seems that the end has come, and both will have to go their separate ways.Figo is undoubtedly one of the most gifted players of his generation, winning 16 trophies in total, including the UEFA Champions League, playing for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. More

    • 150 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 33: Diogo Dalot among absentees

      by

      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 33 in one convenient location.Bukayo Saka is currently the second-most transferred-out player ahead of Saturday’s 11am deadline.Many gaffers made early moves when Arsenal’s No7 suffered a nasty foul at Portman Road but he recovered in time to play the last half an hour against Crystal Palace in midweek.The England winger is virtually guaranteed to start against PSG this coming Gameweek.Saka took a nasty blow at Ipswich but made a quick recoveryCredit: RexPep Guardiola told reporters that Ederson is more likely to return against Wolves in Gameweek 34, meaning Stefan Orteta will almost certainly start against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Sunday.The decorated tactician revealed that Erling Haaland is getting “better and better” but the prolific striker is yet to resume team training.Forest will be without Ryan Yates and Neco Williams (both suspended) while Nuno Espirito Santo vaguely referred to “a lot of concerns” when asked about injuries.Diogo Dalot won’t travel with Manchester United to Bournemouth this weekend having picked up a calf injury.Ruben Amorim didn’t give a timescale for the Portuguese defender’s recovery but seemed to suggest there’s little chance of him making Thursday’s trip to Bilbao either.Concussion protocols prevent Jan Paul van Hecke from playing for Brighton at home to West Ham but the Seagulls may be able to call upon Tariq Lamptey and Joel Veltman if they train well today.Most read in FootballDalot appears in 12% of teams at the time of writingCredit: RexTottenham will have “pretty much” the same squad available from Gameweek 32 with Sunday’s trip to Anfield coming too soon for Son Heung-min.Whether the South Korean forward will feature against Bodo Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday night is unclear.As for Liverpool, Joe Gomez is the only member of the squad flagged as unavailable Malo Gusto suffered a minor injury last time and will not represent Chelsea at home to Everton on Saturday.The Toffees will be without first-choice centre-back James Tarkowski, who won’t feature again this season having undergone surgery on his hamstring.Orel Mangala, Jesper Lindstrom and Dominic Calvert-Lewin also remain sidelined.Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Jose Sa and Hwang Hee-chan all returned to Wolves training this week ahead of Leicester’s visit to Molineux.The former’s absence allowed Matheus Cunha to regain his place in the starting line-up last weekend and it will be interesting to see how Vitor Pereira views things if the French midfielder is deemed fit enough to start.Son will not feature at Anfield on SundayCredit: GettyEddie Howe will return to the dugout at St James’ Park when Newcastle take on Ipswich this Saturday and he believes centre-back Fabian Schar will be fine following his substitution at Villa Park.Sven Botman has stepped up his recovery but remains in the “early stages” of his comeback.As for the Tractor Boys, regular left-back Leif Davis begins a three-game suspension after his straight red card for serious foul play against Arsenal.Kieran McKenna will make a late decision on striker Liam Delap, the club’s top scorer this season.Rodrigo Muniz has been ruled out for Fulham this weekend, leaving the door open for Raul Jimenez to start up front at Southampton.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 NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori, Jorginho, GabrielSuspensions: Thomas ParteyASTON VILLAInjuries: NoneSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Enes Unal, Luis Sinisterra, Ryan ChristieSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Igor Thiago (doubt), Fabio Carvalho, Yunes Emre KonakSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Igor Julio, Georginio Rutter, Adam Webster, Tariq Lamptey (doubt), Joel Veltman (doubt), Jan Paul van HeckeSuspensions: Joao PedroCHELSEAInjuries: Marc Guiu, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto Suspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Chadi RiadSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Tarkowski, Jesper LindstromSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe (doubt), Rodrigo MunizSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Wes Burns, Sammie Szmodics, Omari Hutchinson (doubt), Conor Townsend, Nathan Broadhead, Jaden Philogene, Kalvin Phillips, Arijanet MuricSuspensions: Leif DavisLEICESTERInjuries: Abdul Fatawu, Stephy MavididiSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe GomezSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Rodri, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Erling Haaland, EdersonSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven, Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de LigtSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall, Fabian Schar (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Ola Aina (doubt), Jota Silva (doubt)Suspensions: Neco Williams, Ryan YatesSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Albert Gronbaek, Charlie TaylorSuspensions: Flynn DownesTOTTENHAMInjuries: Radu Dragusin, Son Heung-minSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Crysencio Summerville, Edson Alvarez (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWOLVESRead More on The SunInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera, Leon Chiwone, Pedro Lima, Jose Sa (doubt), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (doubt), Sam Johnstone, Hwang Hee-chan (doubt)Suspensions: None More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea and Newcastle ‘fighting for Gregor Kobel with Dortmund star’s agent set to fly to London for transfer talks’

      by

      BORUSSIA Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel is reportedly set to leave the club this summer, with both Chelsea and Newcastle United interested.The Swiss shot-stopper has caught the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs with impressive performances in the Bundesliga, and now it looks like his days in Germany are numbered.Gregor Kobel has been brilliant for Dortmund this seasonCredit: GettyGregor Kobel is a man in demand after top performances for DortmundCredit: RexGregor Kobel was sensational in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe 27-year-old has missed only two league games all season, made 72 saves and kept five clean sheets. Chelsea are reportedly in the market to replace No1 goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who divides opinion within the fanbase due to some erratic performances this season.The Blues are expected to be aggressive in the summer transfer window again, despite already spending over £1billion on new players in the last two seasons.Meanwhile, Newcastle United, who are hoping to qualify for Champions League football, are looking to generate some competition for Nick Pope.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to journalist Santi Aouna on X, Kobel’s agent will be in London next week to meet with some clubs with Newcastle and Chelsea already making inquiries.The summer transfer window is just around the corner, all eyes will be on Kobel’s next move.There is no doubt that if he were to depart, it would be a massive blow to Dortmund, who have struggled in the Bundesliga this season.The eight-time German champions are in real danger of missing out on European football entirely next season, and losing one of their few shining stars would be a huge setback.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, the Premier League is a massive pull, with many players dreaming of making a move for a variety of reasons.Chelsea currently have Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus Bettinelli, and Lucas Bergström in their squad, but none have convinced massively.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleThis has led to the need for Chelsea to return to the market this summer to try and sign someone with experience and exceptional skill.Since their PIF takeover in 2021, Newcastle have the cash to spend but have bought carefully and wisely.It will be interesting to see what moves Eddie Howe makes in the summer. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL star Sam Finley slapped with 13-GAME ban and fined for ‘discriminatory abuse regarding sexual orientation’

      by

      TRANMERE ROVERS star Sam Finley has been hit with a 13-MATCH suspension for an “aggravated breach” of FA rules. The midfielder, 32, admitted using “abusive and or insulting” language, with a homophobic comment to Walsall striker Jamille Matt during a League Two clash on January 11. Tranmere’s Sam Finley has been given a lengthy suspensionCredit: GETTYJamille Matt headed Walsall in front in the game where Finley made his offensive comment, with the Tranmere player then red-cardedCredit: RexFinley ended up getting sent off in that 5-1 away defeat after just 38 minutes.He saw red after two quick bookings, the second for handball.Jamaican ace Matt had tormented Rovers with the first of his two goals, with the then table-toppers 2-0 up when Finley was dismissed.The Liverpudlian accepted he had breached by making his comment, which has resulted in the FA handing him a mammoth suspension and £2,000 fine.It’s his SECOND offence of this kind following a four-game suspension and fine in February 2016.That was for a homophobic remark to a referee while playing for AFC Fylde.Finley was also fined and banned for eight matches – reduced from 11 – for an offensive comment to a Rochdale player in April 2020 when he was with Accrington Stanley.Tranmere reacted to Friday’s verdict by saying they “condemn all forms of discrimination and will deal with the matter internally”.Most read in FootballThe FA released a statement explaining their decision.It read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a 13-match suspension, £2,000 fine and mandatory education programme on Sam Finley for a breach of FA Rule E3 during the EFL fixture between Tranmere Rovers and Walsall on Saturday 11 January 2025.Roy Keane tried putting me in a high chair when he approached me to sign for Sunderland, says EFL cult hero.mov” It was alleged that the midfielder’s language towards a Walsall player around the 23rd minute was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1. “It was further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to sexual orientation.”Sam Finley subsequently admitted the charge against him.”Tranmere responded with a statement of their own. Rovers said Finley had admitted the “charge of misconduct”.Finley’s ban starts immediately – ruling him out of Rovers’ run-in as they fight to to stay in the EFL.Tranmere are just four points above the drop zone ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Crewe. Finley had a spell at Everton as a youngster before cutting his teeth in non-league and TNS in Wales.Read More on The SunAfter a loan spell at Wrexham, he went on to play for Fylde, Accrington, Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers, who he helped to promotion in 2022, before signing for Tranmere last summer.Finley has appeared 37 times this term for the Prenton Park outfit, scoring twice but picking up ten bookings and a red card More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd icon Patrice Evra, 43, comes out of retirement for MMA fight and calls out Luis Suarez after racism storm

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Patrice Evra is making a shock career change as an MMA fighter… and revealed he wants to settle the score with old rival Luis Suarez.Evra will swap kicking a football for kicking an opponent as he prepares to make his MMA debut at PFL Europe Paris at the Accor Arena on 23 May.Patrice Evra will swap kicking a football for kicking an opponent on May 23Credit: PFLmmaEvra has called out Luis Suarez to be his opponentCredit: AFPEvra will make his MMA debut at the Accor Arena in ParisCredit: Instagram / patrice.evraEvra has been training alongside Cédric Doumbé, right, since 2016Credit: Getty – ContributorEvra previously had a boxing match cancelled in 2022Credit: Twitter @EvraThe Frenchman has been training in combat sports alongside PFL French superstar Cédric Doumbé since 2016.The 43-year-old said: “You guys should know by now, I love this game too! “I’ve performed on the world’s biggest stages, won every major trophy in football, but PFL Europe Paris will be an incredibly special night for me.”I’ve been training alongside the best in the world for years, and they’ll also tell you I’m ready for this. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m going to put on a show at the Accor Arena on 23 May, so come watch the spectacle.”And after seeing his boxing debut cancelled in 2022, Evra will now fulfil his new dream next month.The former left-back’s opponent is yet to be announced, but he will be fighting on the same card as a number of French fighting superstars.However, taking to social media, Evra called out former Liverpool ace Suarez to face him in the ring.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHe said: “I’m officially training for my first fight with @PFLEurope. They will pick my opponent… They asked who I wanna face. “I said: Luis Suárez. I’ll pay out of pocket. He can even bite me.”Patrice Evra is confident Erik ten Hag can turn it around at Man UtdEvra and Suarez have a history dating back to their respective days in the Premier League, when the Uruguayan was found guilty of racially abusing the defender during a clash at Anfield in 2011.Suarez was accused of using “insulting words” towards the Man Utd star including reference to the colour of Evra’s skin.The striker, now 38, was accused of using the word “negro” seven times in around two minutes, while Evra had told him he would “punch him” after asking him to repeat what he had said.Meanwhile, Suarez claimed he had used the word “negro” once and in a friendly way as is normal in Uruguayan culture, as opposed to the antagonistic way described by Ezra.The FA eventually slapped Suarez with an eight-game ban after a two-month investigation and six-day hearing into the incident.After the ban was announced, Liverpool stars were spotted wearing training shirts with Suarez’s name and picture on them during the warm-up in a display of support.Liverpool decided not to appeal the verdict made against Suarez on January 2012, although they maintained the innocence of the forward.When the pair met on the pitch again in 2012, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s hand before a game at Old Trafford, with prompted an angry reaction from the French international.At the end of the game as the players walked off the pitch, Evra went in front of Suarez to celebrate in his face.The fight night itself will be headlined by the lightweight bout between Mansour Barnaoui (22-6) vs. Archie Colgan (11-0) which could lead to Championship contention.PFL CEO Pete Murray, said of Evra’s inclusion: “I’m told he loves this game as much as us, and we’ll find out on 23 May!Suarez was slapped with an eight-game ban after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice EvraCredit: AFPLiverpool stars wore shirts in support of Suarez after the FA announced the banCredit: AFPThe following year at Old Trafford, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s handCredit: GettyEvra then celebrated in Suarez’s face after the gameCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun”We’re incredibly excited to have the superstar that is Patrice Evra fight under the PFL banner, as we’re all about exciting match-ups and making history. “I can’t tell you how excited Patrice has been putting this together, but I think you’re going to see it at the Accor Arena. “Paris, we’re coming to put on another historic evening of MMA, don’t miss out.”Evra previously showed off his fighting skills during an infamous incident when he was at Marseille in November 2017.The 81-cap Frenchman was sent off when he kicked one of his team’s fans in the head before kick-off of a Europa League clash at Vitoria Guimaraes.He was subsequently charged with violent conduct by Uefa and banned from Uefa competition football until June 2018 before he was sacked by his club.Reacting to the news, one fan said: “NAH THIS GOTTA BE FAKE NO WAY.”A second said: “Weirdest MMA signing… ever?”A third added: “Lmaoooo what.”Another said: “What the heck did I read.”Read More on The SunEvra officially retired from professional football in 2019 following a year as a free agent after his release from West Ham, whom he had joined in February 2018.He enjoyed a glittering career winning 20 trophies with Monaco, Man Utd and Juventus, including multiple league titles in England and Italy and lifting the Champions League with the Red Devils in 2008.Evra was sacked by his club and banned by Uefa after kicking a fan in the head when playing for MarseilleEvra won the Premier League five times with Man UtdCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Chelsea starlet quits football aged 24 to join the army after admitting ‘I lost the taste for the sport’

      by

      FORMER Chelsea goalkeeper Nicolas Tie has quit football aged 24 to join the French army.Tie was on the Blues’ books between 2017 and 2020.Nicolas Tie was on Chelsea’s books between 2017 and 2020Credit: GettyThe Frenchman, now 24, featured for various Blues academy sidesCredit: GettyThe Lille-born stopper did not crack Chelsea’s first team, but did feature for their various academy age groups in the Premier League 2, Uefa Youth League and Under-18 Premier League.Tie, who was called up to the Ivory Coast national team in 2018, left Stamford Bridge in 2020 for Portuguese side Vitoria.After failing to make the first team in Portugal, the 6ft 1in goalkeeper has opted to hang up his boots.In an interview with French paper Ouest France, Tie revealed that he has joined the army.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”I’ve had some good tests, I’ve got the regiment I asked for,” Tie said.”I’m ready, I’m training every day for this.”On what led him to such a drastic career change, the former Blue admitted: “I lost my taste for football.”I always liked military careers, so I said to myself: ‘Why not join the army?’Most read in FootballEUBANK JR VS BENN – BETTING TIPS AND LATEST ODDS”My stepfather is a paratrooper in Ivory Coast; I would go to the barracks to observe… It inspired me.”Tie, who claimed to be “proud” of his “little career” also revealed that he would be willing to serve in Ukraine.Enzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final The goalkeeper-turned-soldier said: “I don’t do politics. I have committed to treating the problem at the source.”If the OPEX (external operations) in Ukraine is open, let’s go! It doesn’t scare me.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeTie has signed up for the French armyCredit: AFP More