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      Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘banned from Currys and Popworld’ after quitting Liverpool for Real Madrid in free transfer

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has been “banned” from two major venues in Liverpool.It comes after he announced he would be leaving Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season.Trent Alexander Arnold announced he is leaving LiverpoolCredit: X @TrentAAPopworld in Liverpool announced he had been ‘barred’ from enteringCredit: GoogleCurrys jumped on the bandwagon to announce he was banned from all Liverpool storesCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold is ending a 20-year association with the Reds after breaking through the academy and helping the club win a host of major honours, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.The 26-year-old called it “easily the hardest decision of my life”, with widespread reports suggesting he will be joining Real Madrid to link up with pal Jude Bellingham.However, in their own announcement, Liverpool FC issued a blunt statement about his exit and clearly indicated that the defender leaving was his own decision rather than one backed by the club.And the controversial decision prompted some disgruntled venues in the city to take extreme measures… with cheeky posts on social media declaring he was banned.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first of these was entertainment venue, Popworld Liverpool, who simply posted on social media: “Barred @TrentAA.”The official Currys X account then weighed in by sharing a video of a staff member walking up to the window, where a poster with a photo of Alexander-Arnold was visible with the caption: “Banned. Please do not enter.”The electrical goods retailer added the caption: “Banned from all Currys stores in Liverpool.”Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Companies of culture.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA second said: “I rate this.”A third added: “Hahahaha! I’m here for the pettiness!”Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is leaving Liverpool after 20 years in emotional video LiverpoolAnother said: “Love this.”Reports have indicated Alexander-Arnold told the club and manager Arne Slot he would be leaving in March.Alexander-Arnold’s emotional statement saw him say: “After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.”This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.”I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20.”This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years.”From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.”But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.”I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.”From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years.”I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all.”My love for this club will never die.”Read More on The SunShould his expected transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid happen, he will be only the seventh Englishman to star for the Bernabeu outfit.This includes ex-Liverpool players Steve McManaman and Michael Owen, who like Alexander-Arnold, quit Anfield for Madrid.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit interviewTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD spoke to Liverpool’s in-house club media to explain his decision to leave Anfield.Here are the key parts…I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.Obviously there’s been a lot of noise around what the decision was going to be and how that was going to look. I know a lot of people will say I should have said sooner, a lot of people will say maybe I waited for the right time. But I felt personally the focus should always be on the pitch.I’ve got full confidence in the manager and the staff and the club going forward. It’s not about me thinking we’re not going to fight for titles or fight for trophies season in, season out… it was never about not having confidence in that, it just boiled down to what I felt I needed, and that is a change.Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well. So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset. Obviously that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people. But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is.I fell in love with the club from a very, very young age and that’s something that has grown and grown day in, day out. This club has given me the opportunities to achieve everything beyond my wildest dreams. I can never repay enough of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it for granted at all. I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed everything. I know the news will take a bit of time to set in and people won’t be happy and they’ll be disappointed. At the end of the day, you can be angry and hurt at me but I just hope that the lads, the rest of the team, the staff, everyone else is able to feel how good a season this has been and able to feel the love and support from the fans as they have done all season.There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan I’ll always be a Liverpool fan. More

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      World’s most unlucky footballer is relegated from LaLiga for the FOURTH year in a row

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      A FOOTBALLER has been dubbed the “world’s most unlucky player” after a horror run of relegations.Darwin Machis set an unwanted LaLiga record as Real Valladolid’s demotion to the second tier was confirmed.Darwin Machis has been relegated four times in a rowCredit: GettyMachis has gone down with Granada, Cadiz and Valladolid twiceCredit: GettyThe 32-year-old winger has now suffered relegation an unfortunate four seasons in a row.Machis’ disastrous spell began when he was part of the Granada side that went down by one point in 2022.The Venezuelan did not hang around in the Segunda Division and earned a transfer back to the top-flight with Valladolid.But the Pucela, who are owned by Brazil icon Ronaldo, also went down by a single point in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite a worrying theme developing, another LaLiga side in Cadiz picked him up on loan.And you guessed it, they were relegated in 18th place with Machis’ four goals not enough to save them.Meanwhile, his parent club Valldolid immediately bounced back to LaLiga by winning promotion.And they chose to ignore the “curse” and keep Machis in their squad for this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Valldolid have had a woeful campaign and are going straight back to the Segunda Division.They have conceded a whopping 83 goals and have picked up a poor 16 points from 34 games.’This is so impressive’ – Fans amazed as Oli McBurnie speaks in flawless Spanish just months after joining LaLigaMachis has featured 17 times, with zero goals and one assist to his name.Fans could not believe how unlucky the 52-time capped international is, with one saying: “He is cursed.”Another joked: “He should just go to United and finish them completely.”More commented: “Where is he headed this summer then?”Two of Machis’ relegations came via a single pointCredit: Getty More

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      Iconic manager Ian Holloway suffers horror swelling on face after skin cancer scare as concerned fans send well wishes

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      IAN HOLLOWAY has opened up on his recent skin cancer scare.The iconic boss, 62, went under the knife last week to remove a growth on his face.Ian Holloway spoke about his skin cancer ordealHolloway, 62, was on the touchline last Saturday despite going under the knife just days earlierCredit: Rob NoyesDespite his recent surgery, Swindon Town boss Holloway was in the dugout as his side faced MK Dons on Saturday.The former Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers boss appeared on the touchline with a scar on his face.Ahead of the 0-0 draw, Holloway opened up on his worrying ordeal.The Bristolian said: “I’m in a wonderful time in my life now. I’m getting all sorts of bits and pieces falling off me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You can see it, but I used to go out in the sun, I get skin cancer problems.”My advice to anybody is please don’t do it. Don’t let your kids get burnt. Don’t go out there if you’ve got fair skin like I have.”Put [Factor] 50 on, keep covered, because I can’t do anything about these bits, and I’ve got a huge scar on the right-hand side of my face now.”Luckily they cut it out and they’re sending it off to see. There’ll probably be more bits of me in a jar somewhere than there is sat here.Most read in FootballHolloway made an impassioned plea to fans”It looks like I’ve had a fight with a bear and lost. You can’t hide that fact.”Swindon’s draw with MK Dons on Saturday saw them finish 12th in League Two.Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football enjoying his hobby as a painter After the game, the Robins’ X account posted: “Speedy recovery, Gaffer.”Plenty of concerned fans responded, with one writing: “Get well soon Ollie. What a guy!”While a second commented: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Ollie.”A third posted: “Get well soon, football is better with you involved.”And another added: “What a bloke. All the best Ian.”In March, Holloway penned a contract extension to stay with Swindon until June 2028.Read More on The SunThe experienced boss joined the Robins following nearly four years out of management.Town were just three points above the drop zone when Holloway was appointed, with the popular boss going on to guide them into the top half. More

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      ‘Pinnacle of tinpot’ – Fans can’t believe why MK Dons have changed their badge as they release new design

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      MK DONS have been slammed after they revealed their new badge.The League Two side revealed their new crest on social media on Tuesday.Supporters were given a choice of three new crests to pick fromScott Lindsey was dismissed from his post after he could not turn MK’s slump aroundCredit: RexMK, who finished in 19th in the fourth tier, have had a dismal second season back in the Football League’s basement division. That has led to uproar amongst the club’s fanbase, and they have been ridiculed on X since the announcement of their new logo. In a statement on the club’s website, MK said that the new crest was more than a badge.”It’s a reflection of who we are and where we’re going. It brings together our heritage, ambition, and modernity in a way that’s built to stand the test of time.”Read more footballIt delved deeper into the process behind the switch, acknowledging Milton Keynes’ roundabouts as a key inspiration. “The circular shape represents unity and strength, echoing our belief in ‘One City, One Club’,” the announcement continued. “But it also nods to something closer to home, Milton Keynes’ iconic roundabouts. It’s a subtle tribute to the city’s unique identity, woven seamlessly into the heart of our new look.”BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOne fan said that MK were the “pinnacle of tinpot”, while another commented: “That looks horrendous! You’ve saved me money on kits going forward as I won’t be wearing one with that on it.”Most read in EFL”Who voted for this? Not good,” another comment read. Daniel Farke turns into DJ for Leeds’ bus parade as 150,000 fans cheer on their promotion heroesOne fan went even further, tweeting: “You know there’s f*** all historically to your club when you base your new badge on roundabouts”, adding laughing and pointing emojis.Port Vale, who went up automatically from League Two this season, have mocked their rivals on X. The Valiants posted jokey annotations of their current crest in a reply tweet to MK’s original post. Those included “Two of these” and “Not a steak bake”, with corresponding arrows pointing to menial parts of their badge. The post had fans in fits of laughter, with one commenting: “Admin I love you”, and another “Sharp wit is an understatement Admin”. The Buckinghamshire oufit finished fourth last term under Mike Williamson, the former Newcastle United manager, but were thrashed 8-1 on aggregate by Crawley Town in the play-offs.The scoreline was the largest play-off defeat in EFL history. This term, more misery has been piled onto MK, with promotion hopes dashed prematurely after a run of four defeats in the club’s opening six games. That included a 3-0 humbling at the hands of arch-rivals AFC Wimbledon, which included a late brace from Callum Maycock. That result prompted Williamson to leave his post, with Scott Lindsey dropping down from League One Crawley to take the reins. Read More on The SunHowever, his tenure was short-lived, as he was fired in March after just two wins in 14 games. Paul Warne, the former Derby County boss, took over at the helm with four games to play, and he oversaw three draws and a win in that time. More

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      Solskjaer issues hilarious eight-word Jose Mourinho slap-down as Besiktas beat Fenerbahce in battle of ex-Man Utd bosses

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER fired back at Jose Mourinho after his Manchester United predecessor took a jab at him.Solskjaer, now the manager of Besiktas, returned to management in Turkey in January 2025. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the better of his Man Utd predecessor Mourinho on SundayCredit: GettyMourinho was not happy after his side’s defeatCredit: GettyThe Norwegian had previously managed Manchester United from 2018, when he came in as caretaker manager, to 2021, when he was sacked. Solskjaer, 52, succeeded Mourinho in the Old Trafford dugout in December 2018, and he landed the job on a full-time basis after winning 14 of his 19 games at the helm.Mourinho now manages Fenerbahce, and the two former United bosses went head-to-head last weekend at Fener’s Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. Solskjaer’s visitors snuck a 1-0 win against the run of play in a game that Fener dominated.Read more Football The hosts had 62 per cent possession and 17 shots to the away side’s 38 per cent and eight.However, it was Gedson Fernandes’ goal on the stroke of half-time that won it for Besiktas, prompting an irate Mourinho to jibe: “If we played Besiktas 10 times, we’d win eight. They’d win one, and one would be a draw.”Solskjaer responded comically, saying simply: “Well then, looks like they’ll be winning the next 8.”The irony in Fernandes scoring the winner for Besiktas is that the Portuguese midfielder signed for Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur on loan in 2020, but he made just seven appearances for the north Londoners in an uninspiring spell. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSolskjaer, who made 235 appearances as a player for United, was dismissed from his post after a 4-1 humbling at Watford in November 2021, and he was replaced by Ralf Rangnick. The former striker previously revealed that he had turned down countless offers to return to management, as he waited for the perfect project.’How can you sell him?’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasts Man Utd for Scott McTominay’s transfer to NapoliHe was lured back to the touchline by Turkish giants Besiktas on a one-and-a-half year contract. He guided the side to eight wins and a draw in his first 12 games, including a 2-1 win in the ferocious derby against Galatasaray in March. More

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      Cardiff stars snub final game of miserable season to watch other teams after relegation sparking fan fury

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      CARDIFF CITY fans have been left fuming after star players snubbed the chance to watch the final game of the season.The Bluebirds have suffered a dreadful season, which resulted in relegation to League One.Yakou Meite was one of three players to miss Cardiff’s final game of the seasonCredit: GettyDimitrios Goutas was also an absenteeCredit: GettyAnwar El Ghazi was also elsewhere for the match against Norwich CityCredit: AlamyThe club were beaten by Norwich City in the final game of the Championship campaign at Carrow Road.The whole squad did not travel for the matchday as Yakou Meite, Dimitrios Goutas and Anwar El Ghazi were all missing, according to the BBC.The trio were left out of the matchday squad ahead of their contracts expiring.It is normal for players to take the day for themselves if they are not selected for a match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is also a regular occurrence that they still watch the match regardless if it is home or away.However, Cardiff supporters have been left fuming after Meite was pictured watching his former side Reading instead,The BBC have also claimed that injured striker Callum Robinson opted to watch Aston Villa over his contracted club.It has not been suggested that the players have broken any rules by going to the other matches.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut this has not stopped fans from coming to their own judgments following a miserable season.The club finished bottom of England’s second division and will now be playing in the third tier for the first time in 22 years.Bradford clash SUSPENDED with club seconds from promotion as fans storm pitch BEFORE full-timeCallum Robinson also skipped the match to watch another gameCredit: GettyAs many as 1,242 supporters made the long journey across the UK to watch the match at Carrow Road.The match started awfully as Cardiff fell 3-0 down inside the first 23 minutes.Callum Chambers was also sent off for the Welsh side in the 16th minute.The travelling support were treated to a brace from Yousef Salech on either side of Shane Duffy grabbing Norwich’s fourth.Interim manager Aaron Ramsay thanked the fans after the game.He said: “They’ve been unbelievable and I think they’ve really bought into the boys over the last few weeks and the performances that they’ve produced. Read More on The Sun”I can’t thank them enough for that. It’s a lot of effort for them to come up here today and support us. We appreciate every single one of them doing that and making that journey. “Thank you again to them and they’re going to be a huge part of us bouncing back as a club.” More

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      Newcastle set to join Man Utd in transfer race for one of world’s most sought-after defenders and Marc Guehi alternative

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      NEWCASTLE are set to join the race to sign Jonathan Tah.Tah, 29, is available on a free transfer this summer and a host of clubs are fighting to land the sought-after German.Jonathan Tah is wanted by Newcastle as he prepares to leave Bayer LeverkusenNewcastle remain interested in Marc GuehiCredit: AlamyManchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all reportedly keen on the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back.And SunSport understands that the Toon are also monitoring the player. Eddie Howe is desperate to beef up his defence ahead of next season as he attempts to build a team that can make a genuine title challenge.His top target remains Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, who is set to leave Selhurst Park with Chelsea also interested. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England and Eagles star was the subject of a £70million bid from Newcastle a year ago.But Tah is another option and he is believed to be keen on moving to the Premier League, according to reports in Germany.Real Madrid’s chances could also be boosted if current Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso replaces Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.Bayern would offer Tah the chance to remain in the Bundesliga, while Barcelona’s pursuit is thought to be complicated by ongoing financial constraints affecting player registration.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 35-time German international has already confirmed that he is leaving Leverkusen after ten years at the club.He has played a whopping 400 times for them, winning the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal last season.Newcastle legend, 41, spotted BUSKING in city centre and gushes over ‘dream come true’ to play in ‘my home’ More

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      World-famous landmark to have view of top-flight football as Champions League icon Inzaghi, 51, leads club to promotion

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      A WORLD-FAMOUS landmark will have front-row seats to top-flight European football next season. There are countless examples of football stadia having views of world landmarks, but this might just top the lot. The Leaning Tower of Pisa overlooks the Arena GaribaldiFilippo Inzaghi is the Pisa head coachNewcastle United’s St James’ Park offers a view of the Tyne Bridge, while the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels gives spectators a glimpse of the Atomium. In Canada, Toronto FC’s BMO Field has sighting of the CN Tower, and Seattle’s CenturyLink Field is a stone’s throw from the Space Needle. But the Leaning Tower of Pisa will have top-flight football on its doorstep next term. That is because local side Pisa have gained promotion from Serie B into the Italian top division, the Serie A. Read more FootballPisa, managed by former Italy legend Filippo Inzaghi, cemented second place in the Italian second tier to return to the top table for the first time since 1991. That means that Pisa’s home ground, the Arena Garibaldi, will host the biggest clubs in Italy once more. The stadium is just a seven-minute walk from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, meaning that tourists and fans alike will have no trouble getting access to top-quality Italian football when they visit the city. Pisa’s promotion back to the promised land was confirmed last weekend despite their 1-0 defeat at Bari. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThird-placed Spezia were beaten 2-1 at Reggiana, which meant that Luca D’Angelo’s side could no longer catch Inzaghi’s in the race for automatic promotion. As such, that means that Spezia will be forced into the play-offs, which extends down to eighth place. How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final Pisa’s promotion also throws up another fun scenario, where the Inzaghi brothers will go head-to-head in opposing dugouts. Filippo’s younger brother Simone is the manager of reigning champions Inter Milan, who are three points off Antonio Conte’s league leaders Napoli. There are three games left to play in the Serie A season, with Inter set to travel to Torino while Napoli host Genoa in the next batch of fixtures. More