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      Former England star heartbreakingly reveals he REJECTED Champions League winner’s medal as he ‘didn’t feel part’ of team

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      CHRIS Kirkland has revealed he never received a Champions League winners medal – despite appearing in Liverpool’s iconic 2005 run. The former Three Lions goalkeeper will be a guest of honour at this week’s Nations League clash with Greece. Chris Kirkland played four Champions League games for Liverpool in 2004-05Credit: AlamyInjury meant the stopper wasn’t in the matchday squad for the final against AC MilanCredit: AlamyKirkland hung up his gloves in 2016 following a near two-decade career. The 43-year-old won a single cap for England in 2006 and played for 10 clubs including Wigan, Sheffield Wednesday, and Coventry.Kirkland moved from the Sky Blues to Liverpool in 2001, initially as an understudy to Jerzy Dudek.He took the starting role three years later, before being sidelined by a lingering back injury. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKirkland played four times in Liverpool’s iconic 2004-05 Champions League campaign. But he was unable to play in the final, with Dudek getting the start and Scott Carson taking his place on the bench. Liverpool went on to beat AC Milan on penalties in Istanbul following a dramatic fightback from 3-0 down. Carson has since revealed he tried to give Kirkland his winners medal, as he had “played more games in the group stages”. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told The Guardian: “When we got the medals, I tried to give mine to Chris. “He played more games in the group stages than me. So I felt that he deserved it more.’Brain-breaking’ intro to Champions League MOTD divides fans as BBC decision shows ‘game has never been more gone'”But Chris, as anyone who knows him will say, is a really nice lad and he said: ‘No. You were on the bench, you played your part as well.’”Kirkland will receive an honorary cap from the FA on Thursday as England take on Greece. According to The Athletic, the goalkeeper “never received the traditional cap to commemorate his international debut” in 2006.He had also turned down the Champions League medal because he “didn’t feel part of it, sidelined by a back operation and unable to see a future under Rafael Benitez.”Kirkland didn’t receive a Champions League winners medalCredit: AFPScott Carson, who was on the bench in Instanbul, offered to give Kirkland his own medalCredit: GettyKirkland’s dad famously landed a 100/1 bet he’d placed while his son was a teenager on him playing for England. READ MORE SUN STORIESSpeaking to the outlet, Kirkland laughed: “If I’d gone into the bookies’ with my dad, and they’d seen me, I’m sure he would have got a lot better odds than 100/1.”I was very gangly. I wasn’t in the best shape.” More

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      Meet Amanda Kimberlly: Model who is mother to Brazilian icon Neymar’s third child

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      AMANDA Kimberlly is a Brazilian model and social media influencer who gave birth to Neymar’s third child.Here we take a look at her background and connection to the famous footballer.Amanda Kimberlly is a model and influencerCredit: INSTAGRAM @akimberllyaWho is Amanda Kimberlly?Amanda Kimberlly was born on October 7, 2001.She hails from Parana, Brazil, but has settled in the country’s capital city, Sao Paulo.Kimberlly came to prominence by appearing on the Brazilian dating reality show Are You the One? in 2016.Model and influencerKimberlly is a model and an influencer who has amassed a significant following on social media.read more on neymarShe has a million followers on Instagram as of October 8, 2024.Despite her impressive audience, she maintains a relatively low profile on the platform, having shared around only 25 posts.Her content showcases her modelling career — stylish photos featuring her in various fashionable outfits.Charity workBeyond her modelling career and newfound motherhood, Kimberlly is also involved in charitable work.Most read in FootballShe works with an organisation called Project Gaia, but details of her role are not available.Although most of Kimberlly’s lines of employment are very much in the public eye, it seems she does her best to maintain a relatively low profile.Neymar slashes team-mate’s tyres in response to harmless shoelace prank as fans say ‘that’s a bit extreme’Relationship with NeymarThe exact nature and timeline of Kimberlly’s relationship with Neymar remains somewhat unclear.Their connection became public knowledge when rumours began circulating in January 2024 that Neymar was expecting a child with a Brazilian model.The gossip was particularly controversial because it emerged shortly after Neymar had separated from Bruna Biancardi, with whom he had welcomed a daughter named Mavie in October 2023.It appears that Kimberlly’s pregnancy might have resulted from a brief affair with Neymar, which reportedly occurred while the footballer was recovering from a knee injury.Amanda Kimberlly is also the mother of Neymar’s third childCredit: INSTAGRAM @akimberllyaThis suggests the apparent fling was relatively short-lived and may have overlapped with Neymar’s previous relationship.There is no indication that Neymar and Kimberlly are in a romantic relationship.They reportedly don’t even follow each other on social media platforms, suggesting their connection is primarily centred around baby Helena.DNA test controversyWhen news of Kimberlly’s pregnancy first broke, Neymar reportedly demanded a DNA test to confirm his paternity.Neymar reportedly demanded a DNA test to prove he was the fatherCredit: GettyThis request came amid rumours of his infidelity while still in a relationship with his ex Biancardi.The situation was further complicated by the fact that Kimberlly was already three months pregnant when the news became public, coinciding with Neymar’s recovery period from the knee injury.In January 2023, Brazilian tabloid Portal LeoDias reported: “Neymar is going to be a father for the third time.“The mother is a Brazilian model who is three months pregnant.Amanda Kimberlly also works for the charityCredit: INSTAGRAM @akimberllya“She fell pregnant while they were having an affair, including while the footballer was recovering from a knee injury.”There is concern about the health of the baby’s mother, who recently had to undergo some treatments.“The pregnancy was a surprise, but they were having a romance.”Birth of HelenaHelena, Neymar’s third child, was born on July 7, 2024.The news of her birth was announced by Neymar on his Instagram account, where he shared a series of photos featuring the newborn. Neymar wrote: “You are already much loved by this family! Welcome my daughter!”READ MORE SUN STORIESKimberlly also took to social media to announce Helena’s birth, sharing a photo of the baby’s foot and thanking God for the blessing of her daughter.She also expressed gratitude to her family and the medical team who assisted during the delivery. More

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      Hugo Viana set for incredible rise from Newcastle flop to Man City chief and could bring pal to replace Pep Guardiola

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      HUGO Viana’s likely move to Manchester City may not be the last time a key figure from Sporting Lisbon ends up at the Etihad.Viana was close friends with Ruben Amorim well before they teamed up at Sporting to transform the club from cash-strapped underachievers to champions on and off the pitch.Hugo Viana has been tipped to take over from Txiki Begiristain at Man CityCredit: GettyThe 41-year-old previously played for NewcastleCredit: GettyCity’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, will step down at the end of the seasonCredit: PASporting’s current sporting director is set to replace Txiki Begiristain in the same role at City in early 2025.And when the time comes for City to find a successor to boss Pep Guardiola, it would be a surprise if they did not take a close look at Amorim – already described by Guardiola as “one of the best” coaches around.What is a shock, for a British audience at least, is the news that Viana has been lined up by City to take on one of the biggest jobs in football.He first hit the headlines in 2002 when Newcastle paid £8.5m to sign him from Sporting, a record fee for a 19-year-old, in the first major English deal involving an agent named Jorge Mendes.Read More in FootballThe midfielder was one of the hottest talents in Europe, after helping Sporting to win the Portuguese league and impressing at the European Under-21 Championship.But although Viana enjoyed the company of mentor Gary Speed, he was unable to oust the Welshman from the central midfield role that he craved.After two seasons spent mainly on the wing and the periphery at St James’ Park, Viana had two loan spells before joining Valencia permanently.After he hit the post with Portugal’s second penalty in the shootout that ended England’s 2006 World Cup at the quarter-final stage, he pretty much disappeared as far as English fans were concerned.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is fair to say that Viana is also regarded as an unfulfilled talent in his homeland, despite an impressive spell with Braga later in his career.But it was in his final season at that club that he deepened his friendship with Amorim, having already been in international squads with him.Man City & Premier League BOTH claim victory in landmark court case as legal battle continuesIt would prove to be a key relationship.Viana returned to Sporting as sporting director in 2018 as part of the new regime of president Frederico Varandas.The club was in turmoil. A group of ultras, allegedly furious at Sporting’s 2017/18 campaign, had invaded the training ground and attacked players and staff. Bruno Fernandes was among nine stars to try to tear up their contracts, although he later signed a new deal.It took time for Viana to find his feet. He and Varandas went through three permanent head coaches as things on the pitch took time to improve.In January 2020, Sporting sold best player Fernandes to Manchester United for an initial £47m. Weeks later the club spent £8.65m –  the third highest fee ever for a manager – to poach Amorim from Braga.Most people Viana and Varandas were mad to invest so much hope and money in the unproven coach, not least because of his playing history with fierce rivals Benfica.But it proved to be an inspired gamble.Incredible successIn Amorim’s first full season, 2020/21, Sporting claimed their first league title since the one Viana had won as a player 19 years before.A second Portuguese championship followed last season, and Sporting are also winners off the pitch.Transfermarkt values the current squad at £370m, more than double what it was when Viana joined.Yet in that time, Sporting have brought in more than £650m from player sales and loans, including big-money sales like Fernandes and fellow Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.Returning to the Champions League has given Sporting the financial stability to hold out for big fees, and Viana always has a succession plan.Ugarte was signed as a replacement for Joao Palhinha, and then sold at a profit to Paris Saint-Germain last year, with Morten Hjulmand arriving as his successor.The job for Viana at City will be different.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the Premier League champions and Begiristain, who has had a key role in identifying and appointing his successor, believe he is up to it.And it is not wild to suggest that Viana and Amorim could be the partnership entrusted with building on the Guardiola/Begiristain legacy. More

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      Former Man Utd wonderkid dubbed ‘English Messi’ dreaming of Premier League return while playing in seventh tier

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      FORMER Manchester United wonderkid Callum Gribbin is still dreaming of a career in the Premier League… four years after leaving Old Trafford.The attacking midfielder, 25, was once described as “the English Messi” as The Red Devils promoted him to train with the first team from just 16 years of age.Callum Gribbin spent more than a decade at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyGribbin, second from left on bottom row, played alongside Marcus Rashford, second from right on top row, in Man Utd’s youth sideCredit: GettyHe was learning from the likes of Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Angel di Maria and manager Louis van Gaal.He also played for Man Utd’s U19s and was a team-mate of Marcus Rashford – and in 2014 set up the future England international with a sensational long pass.But a mixture of mentality problems and injury issues ultimately saw the England U17 star released in 2019 after 11 years at the club.Speaking to The Athletic, he said: “I have to take some responsibility and say, when I was younger, I didn’t handle myself in the best way. I let myself down massively at times.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Towards the end of my time at United, I was difficult. I wasn’t getting a chance in the first team and I was unhappy about it. I went into self-destruct and started getting up to the wrong things away from football.”I was immature and, because I was so talented, I think I relied on it. I abused it over the years. I relied on my talent getting me through all the time.”So I do think I needed the lesson of getting released. I have grown up so much. Looking back, I see it completely different now from how I did at the time.”Gribbin joined Sheffield United under Chris Wilder but failed to earn a first-team appearance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGribbin featured for England’s U16s and U17sCredit: GettyHe played for Barrow in League Two but is now with FC United of ManchesterCredit: GettyIt took him dropping down to League Two with Barrow to find game time – and even then he only managed five games.After a stint with non-league Radcliffe, he is now at FC United of Manchester.Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaves showdown talks over Ten Hag’s future after 7 HOURS without giving update as he uses rear exitHe spent 15 months on the sidelines after rupturing his knee ligaments in January 2023.But while his decline to the seventh tier of English football would lead many to assume his days at the top level have been and gone, Gribbin remains hopeful of a return to the Premier League.He added: “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have days when that has come into my head,” he says. “But I’ve always believed in my talent and that I’m too good to give it up.”If I wasn’t as good as I was, even 10 per cent less, I would have given up. But I see the next 18 months as a massive opportunity to get back to where I need to be.”Everyone has different career paths and I know for a fact that, if I’m fully fit and playing, people will come to watch. I still believe, honestly, I could make it back to the Premier League.”So it’s all on me, really.” More

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      Top flight manager faces three years in jail after being accused of maiming club chairman with a DOCUMENT TRAY

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      TOP-FLIGHT boss Goncalo Feio is facing three years in prison – after allegedly MAIMING his club chairman with a DOCUMENT TRAY.Portuguese Feio has been coach of Polish giants Legia Warsaw since April.Goncalo Feio is facing the sack at Legia WarsawCredit: EPABut prosecutors have accused the 34-year-old of injuring and threatening the president of his former club Motor Lubin.Feio’s attack on Pawel Tomczyk allegedly took place in March 2023, after Lubin’s 2-1 home win over GKS Jastrzebie.The coach is also said to have insulted Lubin’s press officer Paulina Maciazek in the same incident.Tomczyk was taken to hospital, and both he and Maciazek left the club soon afterwards.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLubin prosecutors’ office spokeswoman Agnieszka Kepka said: “Goncalo Feio has been charged with injuring a man, and threatening him.”He risks a punishment of three years in prison.”Feio’s charge sheet reads in part: “On March 5, 2023, at the Arena Lublin, he hit Pawel Tomczyk with a plastic document tray in the area of his left eye, throwing it towards the victim’s face, which caused injuries in the form of a cut on the left eyebrow bone.”On 5 March 2023 in Lublin, he threatened to commit the crime of bodily harm to Paweł Tomczyk, and this threat aroused in the victim a justified fear that it would be carried out.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFeio left Lubin soon afterwards, and surprisingly landed the Legia job that April.He led them to third in the Ekstraklasa last season, and has taken them into the Conference League’s group stage this term.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsHowever the Warsaw outfit now plans to sack him, and has drawn up a shortlist of replacements.Ex-Huddersfield boss Andre Breitenreiter, 51, is thought to be contender.Andre Breitenreiter is reportedly being lined up to take overCredit: Getty More

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      Jurgen Klopp branded ‘traitor’ and ‘hypocrite’ by angry fans as Liverpool icon risks tarnishing reputation at Red Bull

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      JURGEN Klopp stunned football when he announced a return to the game just months after leaving Liverpool.Less than a year since Anfield hero Klopp said he was “running out of energy” when he confirmed his departure from the Merseysiders, he was appointed as “head of global football” at the Red Bull group.Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been named as Red Bull’s global head of footballCredit: PAThe 57-year-old released a statement on social media after a fan backlashCredit: Instagram @kloppoRed Bull have six clubs in their stable including Leipzig, Salzburg and now Leeds.But while Klopp copped a social media backlash from some Borussia Dortmund fans – with suggestions he might be targeted by a banner at the club’s next home game – the reaction across much of Germany was stunned disbelief.Dortmund, like Liverpool, are very much a fans’ club, part of the heartbeat of their city.RB Leipzig, the flagship of the Red Bull stable, were only founded in 2009 when the drinks company purchased the playing rights of a fifth-tier side in the East German city.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYet in unveiling Klopp as their new figurehead, with a role to help with the group’s “strategic vision” and global scouting operation as well as training and developing coaches, Red Bull have potentially risked compromising their star signing’s reputation.The shock announcement of a five-year deal – with conflicting reports over whether there was a get-out clause if the German national team came calling – came out of the blue.While Klopp, who will start his new role on January 1, said the opportunity “could not excite me more”, as far as many fans, especially in Dortmund were concerned, the news could not have angered them less.Some denounced Klopp as a “traitor” and a “hypocrite”, with consternation among Liverpool supporters who had expected he would be out of football for at least a year.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd the scale of the reaction saw the German, 57, break his holiday to post a video message in which he tried to explain: “A few months ago I said that I don’t see myself on the sidelines anymore and that is still the case.”But I still love football and I still love working. Red Bull gives me the perfect platform for that.Jurgen Klopp bids emotional farewell to Anfield on final day as drops huge hint he might RETIRE after leaving Liverpool”I want to share my experience which I collected over the years and we all know there are much more successful managers out there.”In my career, I fought for promotion, I fought against relegation, I’ve fought for titles, I’ve fought for trophies.”Sometimes we failed, sometimes we succeeded and dealing with that is not easy. But it’s possible.”Now I have time and I have the opportunity. I want to see and feel and figure out what is useful in football. “So developing football a little bit as well. Really looking forward to it but now I go back on holiday. See you in January.”Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave KiddNOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.Klopp got it wrong.Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.Klopp’s move was evidently no shock to Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke, who said: “It’s not a surprise to me because I talked about it with him personally. I wish Jurgen luck in his new job.”And it was unquestionably a coup for Red Bull, whose boss Oliver Mintzlaff said: “We are very proud of this outstanding and certainly the strongest signing in Red Bull’s football history.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Jurgen Klopp is one of the greatest and most influential figures in world football, with extraordinary skills and charisma.”He will be a game changer for our involvement in international football and its continued development.” More

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      Alisson injury leaves door open for Dream Team bosses to back bargain option Caoimhin Kelleher

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      LIVERPOOL are expected to be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson (£5m) for the next month at least.The Brazil international was substituted in the 79th minute against Crystal Palace last Saturday and it has since been confirmed he suffered yet another hamstring injury which is likely to sideline him until the November international break.Alisson is expected to miss Liverpool’s next seven gamesCredit: GettyAlisson is currently ranked second among Dream Team goalkeepers with 51 points to his name, just four shy of leader David Raya (£5.1m).But gaffers backing the 32-year-old will have to look elsewhere with the Reds set to fulfil seven fixtures between Gameweeks 8 and 11, before another set of international games.Vitezslav Jaros replaced Alisson at Selhurst Park in Gameweek 7 and the young Czech keeper made a vital save to preserve Liverpool’s clean sheet to ensure they left South London with three points.However, Caoimhin Kelleher (£2.3m), who was injured last weekend, is expected to be named as starting keeper for the next month or so.The Republic of Ireland international enjoyed an impressive run in the team last season when Alisson was sidelined and many Dream Team managers will be tempted to recruit him during the current international break with a view to acquiring some short-term gains.Time to shineCredit: Dream TeamThis strategy is particularly appealing because the 25-year-old is available at such a low price, on account of him being a second-string option ordinarily. Kelleher has earned 13 points from just two appearances so far in 2024/25, including an impressive ten-point haul against Bournemouth that featured seven saves and a clean sheet.Dream Team bosses would never wish injury on any player, of course, but there’s no doubt a second-choice keeper temporarily rising up the pecking order represents a significant opportunity.Most read in FootballThat being said, Arne Slot’s side face a relatively difficult run of fixtures across the next four Gameweeks.LIVERPOOL’S FIXTURES FROM GAMEWEEK 8 TO 11:Chelsea (h) – Premier LeagueRB Leipzig (a) – Champions LeagueArsenal (a) – Premier LeagueBrighton (a) – Carabao CupBrighton (h) – Premier LeagueBayer Leverkusen (h) – Champions LeagueAston Villa (h) – Premier LeagueAll the above domestic opponents currently reside in the top six of the table while RB Leipzig are level on points with Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.Liverpool’s schedule takes a turn for the worse after the breakCredit: AlamyAs the only English side to have won six of their first seven league games, Liverpool have been a rich source of Dream Team points to this stage but they may find clean sheets harder to come after the break.However, at £2.3m many will deem Kelleher worthy of a punt and it’s hard to argue against such a ploy; it’s just that the difficulty of their upcoming schedule means it’s not a complete no-brainer.Gaffers who go down this route will also have to earmark a furture transfer to replace Kelleher when Alisson is available again at the end of November or early December.Still, he’s a tempting option for sure…BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Supercomputer predicts League One table as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney learn Wrexham’s fate and runaway champions

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final League One table – and it’s good news for Wrexham.The Red Dragons have enjoyed a meteoric rise following the arrival of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Wrexham are set for another successful seasonCredit: AlamyBirmingham are also tipped to have a great campaignCredit: AlamyCo-owners Reynolds and McElhenney have overseen two successive promotions in as many years from the National League up to League One.Wrexham currently sit second in the table, two points behind leaders Birmingham.And a supercomputer from TheyScored.com predicts them to stay there until the end of the campaign.The Red Dragons are expected to finish with 92 points.Read More in FootballThey are set to be pipped to the post by Birmingham, who were relegated from the Championship last season.The supercomputer predicts Chris Davies’ side to finish with 98 points following a strong start to the campaign.Stockport County, Mansfield, Lincoln and Huddersfield are expected to compete in the play-offs – with Bolton just missing out.At the other end of the table, Burton, Crawley and Cambridge United are all in danger of relegation.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSupercomputer’s League One predictionCambridge have been predicted to finish rock bottom with just 22 points.Shrewsbury are tipped to narrowly miss the drop by just two points come May, despite being in the danger zone right now.Wrexham owner Rob McElhenney reveals VERY famous superstar will be attending Hollywood clash vs BirminghamMeanwhile, the likes of Leyton Orient, Reading, Charlton, Blackpool and Peterborough are set to remain well clear.Several League One games originally scheduled for this weekend have been postponed due to the international break.Crawley Town against Shrewsbury will go ahead as planned. More