BT Sport

MANCHESTER CITY hero Rodri swore TWICE on love TV after scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final.The midfielder was critical of his own performance despite being named as man of the match against Inter Milan.
Rodri swore while criticising his own performanceCredit: BT Sport
Rodri scored the winner to secure Manchester City’s first ever Champions League titleCredit: Getty
He praised his team-mates and spoke about the strength of character his side needed to secure the win and the Treble.
Rodri told BT Sport: “It was an unbelievable effort from everyone. I wasn’t good in the first half, I was playing s*** to be honest.
“And then we spoke about the mentality, I said to myself ‘you have to overcome this situation’.
“In the end I scored a goal, unbelievable.”
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In a later interview Rodri swore again after joining BT Sport’s main presenters and pundits, including Sergio Aguero.
After shaking hands with his former team-mate he said: “You’re a f***ing legend.”
Host Jake Humphrey quickly apologised for the language.
Rodri curled in his winner from just inside the box after Bernardo Silva’s cross was blocked by an Inter defender.
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It was just the Spaniard’s second-ever Champions League goal after he scored a beauty against Bayern Munich in the quarter-final.
Rodri, 26, also joked that Pep Guardiola had to pick him for the final after controversially leaving him out of City’s Champions League final defeat to Chelsea in 2021.
City found it difficult to break down a stubborn Inter side with Erling Haaland going closest to scoring in the first half.
The striker had an effort saved by Andre Onana before Rodri struck, with Phil Foden also close to adding a second.
At the other hand City lived a charmed life at times with Romelu Lukaku blocking a goalbound header from team-mate Federico Dimarco.
Lukaku also missed a sitter from yards out with City holding on to secure their first-ever Champions League title. More

VIEWERS cringed as BT Sport aired a tribute to presenter Jake Humphrey DURING the Champions League final.Interrupting Manchester City vs Inter Milan was called “embarrassing” by one fan and another said: “Have a day off. It ain’t Jeff Stelling”
Fans weren’t laughing when the Champions League final on Saturday night was briefly interrupted for a tribute to Jake HumphreyCredit: Getty

BT hailed Humphrey, 44, who is stepping down as lead presenter after 10 years.
But armchair observers were stunned when a video saluting Humphrey was put out a minute into the showpiece in Istanbul.
Sky Sports legend Stelling was showered with tributes when he quit Soccer Saturday in May after 29 years.
But many fans felt Humphrey was not Stell-ar enough for special attention as they trolled both him and BT Sport for the timing of the clip.
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However, one viewer said: “These comments epitomise social media these days, sad world. Thank you Jake!”
The broadcaster from Peterborough is bowing out on the most prestigious stage – the final of football’s top domestic competition.
Announcing his departure last month, he said: “It has been my dream job.
“I’m also not ashamed to say I remain hugely ambitious.
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“Stepping back from BT will allow me space to pursue other projects and fulfil other ambitions. I’m excited.”
BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand responded: “Top presenter and inspiration in many different ways. Don’t doubt you will smash whatever’s next!”
And in fact the TV station did reveal last month they would show a video of Humphrey’s decade-long reign in Istanbul.
They tweeted they would be “giving him a fitting finale for his 10 years on BT Sport”. More

MARIO BALOTELLI claimed Erling Haaland “learnt good” after seeing him wearing his old Manchester City shirt.The Italian appeared on BT Sport as a pundit ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final.

Mario Balotelli appeared as a pundit on BT SportCredit: BT Sport
Super Mario was shown footage of a young Erling Haaland wearing his replica shirtCredit: BT Sport
Anticipating the 32-year-old’s appearance, producers managed to dig up a short video of Haaland wearing a Man City shirt with “Balotelli 45” on the back.
After being shown the clip, presenter Jake Humphrey asked Balotelli for his reaction.
The striker sheepishly said: “I don’t know. It’s good. He learnt good.”
Further quizzed what he thinks of Haaland as a player, Balotelli added: “I think he’s amazing.
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“He’s like a predator in the area. Obviously outside he has a big sprint, he’s very fast – but he can score.
“You need to bring the ball to him, but on five chances he scores five goals, amazing striker.”
Haaland, 22, entered the final having bagged 52 goals in all competitions for City.
Earlier in the day, Balotelli reunited with Rio Ferdinand on screen – 11 years after their Manchester derby bust-up.
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Super Mario also offered his pre-match prediction – as well as revealing why he wanted the game to finish within 90 minutes.
The former Inter Milan and City ace said: “I hope one of the two wins.
“But especially wins quickly – not extra time because traffic in Istanbul is crazy.”
Ferdinand then chipped in: “He’s got a party to go to.”
Balotelli chuckled as he replied: “No, no.”
Ferdinand, 44, offered up his own prediction – opting for a 2-0 City win.
Erling Haaland went into tonight’s match having bagged 52 goalsCredit: Getty More

FOOTBALL fans were wound up by BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher’s ‘bizarre fetish’ during the Champions League final.Viewers were sitting down to watch Manchester City’s date with destiny against with Inter Milan.
Viewers at home criticised commentator Darren Fletcher for his use of ‘Internazionale’Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
But they were instantly distracted, and pressing their mute buttons, when main commentator Fletcher started to speak.
City’s Italian rivals are known throughout the English speaking world as Inter Milan
But their official name is Football Club Internazionale Milano, usually shortened simply to ‘Inter’.
That is by everybody except for Fletcher, who insisted on calling them ‘Internazionale’ throughout.
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One supporter said: “Just call them Inter like everyone ever!”
Another added: “Does he have to refer to them as Internazionale every single time.”
A third said: “A commentator with a bizarre fetish for long Italian words.
“Steve McManaman on co-comms. Jake Humphrey presenting. Fair to say BT Sport have s*** the bed with their coverage.”
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And another commented: “Someone’s told Darren Fletcher that their real name is Internazionale but forgot to add that you’re allowed to shorten it to Inter.”
Fans also took aim at BT Sport after they produced a blunder in their pre-match team line-up graphic, mistakenly listing Ilkay Gundogan as a goalkeeper.
Some UK viewers were so unhappy with the coverage they began to wonder how they could access US broadcaster CBS Sports’ show instead.
Wherever they watched, fans saw Rodri’s rocket earn City a 1-0 win to secure his side’s place in history as Treble winners, while Internaziole were left heartbroken. More

FANS joked that “Pep always overthinks finals” after Ilkay Gundogan was listed as a goalkeeper in a BT Sport gaffe.The German skippered Manchester City as they won their first ever Champions League crown.
BT Sport inadvertently listed Ilkay Gundogan as a goalkeeperCredit: BT Sport
Gundogan, 32, skippered Man City in tonight’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty
When listing the lineups before the match, BT Sport inadvertently put (GK) after Gundogan’s name, rather than (C) for captain.
Some fans instantly took to social media to point out the mistake.
But others weren’t sure it was an error… rather Pep Guardiola making another bold call in a big match.
The Spaniard has become renowned for tinkering in finals and bigger occasions in recent years, notably deciding not to field a holding midfielder against Chelsea in the 2021 final.
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One fan joked on Twitter: “Gundogan as GK. Pep always overthinks finals.”
While a second tweeted: “Gundogan in goal then @btsportfootball?”
A third joked: “I always thought Gundogan was a good GK.”
While Chelcee Grimes quipped, followed by a laughing emoji: “Apparently @ManCity have 2 (GK) starting tonight. They must be worried.”
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Lining up in his usual midfield role, Gundogan did make some history in the match.
Wearing the captain’s armband, the 32-year-old became the first German to ever skipper a non-German team in a Champions League final.
Kevin De Bruyne wore the armband for City during the 2021 final, with regular captain Fernandinho on the bench.
Gundogan would ultimately lead his side to success with Man City winning 1-0 and with it sealing the Treble.
Fans joked that Pep Guardiola had overthought another finalCredit: Getty More

BRITISH football fans are dreaming of switching over to US channel CBS for the Champions League final.Viewers on this side of the pond weren’t impressed by BT Sport’s coverage as Manchester City beat Inter Milan in Istanbul.
Viewers have criticised BT Sport’s coverage of the Champions League finalCredit: Twitter @mrjakehumphrey
Mario Balotelli, right, was a special guest on the show for the eveningCredit: BT Sport
Kate Abdo is the presenter of the highly-praised CBS Sports showCredit: CBS
She was joined by regulars Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards at the finalCredit: CBS
And they were especially envious of their American counterparts after seeing clips of Kate Abdo and Co.
BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey fronted the UK coverage on Saturday evening.
He was joined by pundits Rio Ferdinand, Joleon Lescott, Mario Balotelli, Steven Gerrard and Cesc Fabregas.
Host Seema Jaswal was also a part of the broadcast alongside journalist James Horncastle and ex-Man Utd man Owen Hargreaves.
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But it was widely slammed on social media as British viewers sought out the CBS Sports show – presented by Abdo and featuring hilarious pundits Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.
One person wrote on Twitter: “Anyone know where I can watch the CBS coverage, BT is garbage.”
Another replied: “After seeing the BT Sport line up, do CBS stream the final for free on YouTube as well?”
One quipped: “Disappointed that CBS had Kate Abdo, Henry, Carragher and Richards while the UK is stuck with Jake Humphrey.”
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CBS Sports pundits posed with the BT Sport crew before the Champions League finalCredit: Twitter @Carra23
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A fourth responded: “How the hell do we get the CBS coverage of the Champions League instead of the f*****g dross BT Sports serve up?
“Seriously, this is f*****g torture.”
And a fifth said: “I wish I had CBS Sports 😔. I bet they’re having bags of banter at the moment and we’re stuck with the bores on BT.”
Earlier on in the evening, Carragher poked fun at the BT coverage by claiming they had roped in the likes of Balotelli and Fabregas in an attempt to improve their coverage.
Alongside a picture of the rival broadcasters’ teams, he tweeted: “BT Sport are not happy with their normal crew @rioferdy5 so they’ve brought outsiders in to try & compete with @CBSSportsGolazo 👀😂.”
Balotelli then hit back, replying: “Jamie Carragher, bad player, wonderful hater @Carra23, who cares.”
And Ferdinand responded: “Liberties 😂😂😂😂” More

MARIO BALOTELLI has revealed his hilarious Champions League final prediction.The Italian is in Istanbul to watch this evening’s clash between his old clubs Manchester City and Inter Milan.
Mario Balotelli sat down with BT Sport ahead of the Champions League finalCredit: BT SPORT
The Italian laughed as he delivered his predictionCredit: BT SPORT
Prior to the game he sat down with presenter Josh Denzel and pundits Rio Ferdinand and Cesc Fabregas to discuss the big match.
Asked for his prediction, Super Mario sat on the fence – but admitted he doesn’t fancy extra time or penalties.
Not wanting to pick between his former teams, Balotelli said: “I hope one of the two wins.
“But especially wins quickly – not extra time because traffic in Istanbul is crazy.”
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Ferdinand then chipped in: “He’s got a party to go to.”
Balotelli chuckled as he replied: “No, no.”
Ferdinand, 44, offered up his own prediction – opting for a 2-0 City win.
The duo hugged as they arrived in the studio, reuniting 11 years after a Manchester derby bust-up.
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Rio Ferdinand and Balotelli clashed in the FA Cup 11 years agoCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
Balotelli joined Inter in 2007, scoring 28 goals in 86 appearances for the San Siro club before an £18.5million move to Man City three years later.
He netted 30 times in 80 appearances during a trio of topsy-turvy years at the Etihad under Roberto Mancini.
Balotelli, now 32, won three Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia and the Champions League during his time at Inter.
While he added Premier League and FA Cup successes while at City.
Since leaving City, Balotelli has played for AC Milan, Liverpool, Nice, Marseille, Brescia, Monza and Turkish side Adana Demirspor.
He joined Swiss outfit FC Sion last year and has often captained them – scoring six goals in 18 league appearances.
Balotelli, 32, signed for FC Sion last yearCredit: EPA More