More stories

  • in

    Thierry Henry confirmed as Kate Abdo’s co-star for CBS’ Champions League coverage as fans say ‘give him time to recover’

    THIERRY HENRY will return for CBS’ Champions League coverage this season alongside Kate Abdo.Fans joked the former striker needs “time to recover” after Abdo married Malik Scott.Thierry Henry will continue his role as a pundit for CBS Sports this seasonCredit: PAFans joked he needs time to recover before working with Kate Abdo againCredit: GettyHenry and Abdo have been subject to teasing from fans and colleagues Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher over their chemistry.Abdo even had to put Carragher in his place last season after he missed the mark with an awkward joke about her now husband.Henry’s infatuation for Abdo has been a long-running joke and rumour so fans have joked he needs time to recover before returning to the CBS show after Abdo tied the knot.One fan said: “Thierry Henry needs time to recover man.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “They had to confirm it 😭”And a third wrote: “Stay strong Thierry.”Henry, 47, returns to punditry after resigning as manager of France Under-21s last month, having led his side to the Olympic silver medal in Paris.And he revealed his excitement at the new campaign and the increase in matches he will cover due to the expanded Champions League format.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.He told a CBS Champions League Zoom call: “I think for us, for CBS, it’s just outstanding – more games, to be able to talk about more games.”But there is a but for me, because I’m going to go on the side of being a coach: too many games, too many games.Fans in stitches at Thierry’s reaction to 2007 throwback clips of CBS host Kate Abdo”[As] an ex-player I don’t know how those guys do it. As a pundit, I love it, but as an ex-player and as a coach, it’s too many games. “[Jude] Bellingham is already injured. “It’s tough to play a season, and then go to the Euros, and come back and play [in the] national team, and more games, and more games left, more games right…””So as much as I want to see Milan [versus] Liverpool and I want to see a Manchester City in there, I want to see the best players on the field, being able to perform whenever they can.”That’s also part of the product – having also the best players on the field being able to perform all the time. “So yes, it is outstanding for us. But if I was a coach [in this Champions League], I don’t know if I would’ve found it outstanding.” More

  • in

    Watch Jude Bellingham swear at critics on live TV after Champions League final as he’s warned ‘it’s still early in US’

    JUDE BELLINGHAM swore during his post-Champions League final interview live on TV.The Real Madrid star’s dream became a reality as goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior sunk Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley.Jude Bellingham swore on live TVCredit: X @CBSSportsGolazoMicah Richards and Jamie Carragher pocked fun at himCredit: X @CBSSportsGolazoBellingham won the Champions League against his former club DortmundCredit: RexBellingham, 20, struggled to impact the game in attacking areas until late in the match when he got the assist for Los Blancos’ second goal after seeing a shot fantastically blocked by Nico Schlotterbeck.But as Dortmund piled on the pressure for large periods, his excellent defensive work did not go unnoticed by pundits.Thierry Henry praised his effort off the ball as Bellingham was quizzed by the CBS Sports team.The 2009 Champions League winner with Barcelona said fans might not notice the defensive side of his game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Bellingham was not interested in what his critics thought, brutally hitting back as he said: “No, I couldn’t give a s***, really.”The midfielder held up his hand and immediately apologised. But the banter-filled CBS Sports pundits seized an opportunity.There was audible gasps from Henry and Micah Richards before the ex-Manchester City star said while pointing at his watch: “Wow. It’s still early in America.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJamie Carragher chimed in as he laughed: “He sounds like he would be perfect for this show. He will get in more trouble than me.”Peter Schmeichel then joked: “No, Jamie, don’t worry. Nobody is going to get in more trouble than you.”Inside the Real Madrid and Jude Bellingham love affairBellingham eventually continued his answer, saying: “I don’t really care what people say, to be honest.”I do the work that I do and if people understand it like yourself then great but if not, so what.”I think modern football is about adjusting to the roles that you get given, I think it’s not enough anymore to be a player that only plays in one position.”I think in the City game [quarter-final] I was more or less playing as a false nine, I had to hold up the ball, it was horrible and I hated it.”But you have to do it because the coach asks and it helps the team.”In the end, if you get to enjoy nights like this then I’ll play whatever position I have to.”In his interview with TNT Sports, Bellingham wiped away tears as he thanked his family for their support.He said: “This is the best night of my life. I can’t have dreamed of much more this season. I’m so grateful.”My team-mates, the staff, my family. The team behind the team like the physios. It’s a massive group effort. I just can’t believe it.“I always dreamed of playing in these games. You go through life and there are so many people who say you can’t do things.“It gets hard at times but nights like tonight make you realise it was worth it and all those kinds of things.”I was alright until I saw my mum and dad’s face.Bellingham looked up to his family in the stands as he was overcome with emotionCredit: TNT Sports”The amount of nights where they can be at home by seven o’clock and they’re doing trips at 11 and 12 at night to take me to football.”And my little brother there who I’m trying to be a role model for, yeah, I can’t put into words, it’s the best night of my life.”It was, of course, a special night for his mum Denise, dad Mark and younger brother Jobe too.The trio joined Jude on the pitch for the post-match celebrations with his mum briefly wearing his winners medal around her neck.READ MORE SUN STORIESBellingham also made a bonus dream come true for his mum as he turned photographer and took a snap of her with Jose Mourinho.The legendary boss was a pundit for TNT Sports last night, with the Bellingham admitting his mum has “fancied Mourinho for years”.Bellingham was the cameraman as his mum Denise posed with the Special OneCredit: TNT SPORTSHis parents and brother celebrated with him on the pitchCredit: AFPBellingham outshines Sancho on the night of his dreams at Wembley
    THE very moment Vinicius Junior struck the second goal, Jude Bellingham sank to his knees, stretched out his arms and looked up at the sky, writes Charlie Wyett.
    It was the moment that Bellingham had always dreamed of, to win the Champions League. The fact it came at Wembley, on home soil, made it that little sweeter.
    Bellingham delivered the pass to Vinicius who scored to ensure that Real Madrid, remarkably, have now been the kings of Europe on 15 occasions.
    It was the final kick of the biggest game in Bellingham’s life as he was immediately replaced by Joselu in a tactical switch by Carlo Ancelotti.
    With no Premier League teams involved, this was an English duel between Bellingham and Jadon Sancho. The west midlands v south London. Stourbridge versus Kennington.
    It is obvious which of the two former team-mates won this scrap, although Sancho’s team should have put Real out of sight by half-time.
    Ultimately, neither Englishmen had particularly dazzling games.
    Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, started brightly and gave Real left-back Ferland Mendy a few uneasy moments.
    Yet this was nothing like the performances he delivered against PSG to help his team to the final.
    Instead, with three minutes remaining of normal time, Sancho was replaced by another Englishman, teenager Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
    There was to be no drama. Bellingham added this Euro title to his La Liga winner’s medal. Not forgetting he has also been voted as the La Liga player of the year.
    Bellingham, featuring in his 42nd game of the season for Real, was unable to make much of an impact in his role wide left.
    On the hour mark, he had touched the ball 35 times but had done little with it.
    With the scores at 0-0, he somehow failed to score with a header when he was unable to make contact with a cross from Vinicius. Any touch and it would have been a goal.
    By then, the keyboard warriors were out in force on social media, dishing out some laughable criticism of England’s greatest talent. Potentially, our greatest ever player.
    Yet the inevitable happened and Dortmund were left to curse those missed chances.
    A mistake by Sancho led to a Madrid corner and Dani Carvajal leapt highest to head them into the lead.
    Bellingham had another chance but it was deflected wide by Nico Schlotterbeck.
    But, with seven minutes left, he helped stick the knife in to help Vinicius score and ensure this is an evening he will never forget.
    In the crowd were his dad Mark, mum Denise and brother Jobe, who got into the stadium five hours early
    Bellingham’s mum was in tears as her son stepped up to get his medal. And let’s all hope Bellingham will be lifting another trophy in Berlin on July 14. More

  • in

    Kate Abdo rocks bold outfit live on CBS Sports for Champions League final as fans hail ‘absolutely incredible’ host

    KATE ABDO stole the show as she hosted CBS Sports’ coverage of the Champions League final.The presenter dressed to impress with a bold look ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Borussia Dortmund.Kate Abdo dazzled in a bold outfitShe caught the eye at the Champions League finalAbdo lined up alongside her usual team of Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.She wore an eye-catching bold red suit and an even brighter pink top.Fans loved the look and quickly began to shower Abdo with compliments.One reacted saying: “My love for Kate 😊😍”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “WOW!!! Kate Abdo looking absolutely incredible!”A third wrote: “Gorgeous.”Abdo, 42, likes to dress in daring outfits when presenting and last month wowed for Tyson Fury’s bout with Oleksandr Usyk.She wore a vibrant red jumpsuit as she spoke to boxing pundits Joseph Parker and Lennox Lewis.Most read in FootballInside German castle England Wags plan to stay at for Euro 2024England’s Wags plan to stay in a luxury German castle during the Euros this summer.

    A source revealed they are keen to let their hair down after abiding by strict rules at the World Cup in Qatar, and are planning a stay in a private, secluded area.
    The Wags have scouted the five-star Schlosshotel resort in Kronberg, where rooms cost up to £1,750 a night, and the Schloss Auel Boutique Hotel in Lohmar.
    The hotel also offers a limousine service for guests, comes with on-call masseuses and butlers and boasts a Porsche rental service.
    The group are also looking at Schloss Auel Boutique Hotel in Lohmar.
    It offers cocktail bars, Michelin star chefs and a team of personal assistants to assist with any requests.
    The group could include Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan, Harry Maguire’s wife Fern, Kyle Walker’s wife Annie and Luke Shaw’s partner Anouska Santos.
    Read more on the Wags’ plans for the summer.

    Abdo could even enter the ring soon herself after training alongside her fiancee, former professional boxer Malik Scott.She has even shown interest in fighting Astrid Wett after being called out by the influencer.Real Madrid ran out 2-0 winners at Wembley after they withstood a Dortmund onslaught to win their 15th Champions League titleKate Abdo ACCEPTS callout from Astrid Wett with glam DAZN presenter ready to make Misfits Boxing debut More

  • in

    Jamie Carragher admits CBS Sports chiefs were worried viewers wouldn’t understand him and got WIVES to make decision

    JAMIE CARRAGHER has revealed he almost missed out on the job at CBS Sports because of his accent.The Liverpudlian has become a mainstay on the panel covering the Champions League alongside Thierry Henry, Micah Richards and host Kate Abdo.Jamie Carragher almost missed out on the job at CBS SportsCredit: GettyBut the American broadcaster held reservations about Carragher as they were concerned viewers would not be able to understand him.So executives at CBS Sports played a video of the pundit for their wives, which ultimately led to Carragher getting the job.Carragher recalled the story, telling The Guardian: “He was worried whether or not the audience would understand me.“Would you believe these three executives played a video of me to all their wives and it was basically down to them to decide if they could understand me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Two of them did, one was not sure. So I just got the votes.”Carragher, 46, has won several plaudits for his carefree approach to punditry on CBS Sports, which included him interviewing Jadon Sancho after drinking several beers after watching Borussia Dortmund.He has even hinted at becoming a roving reporter for the latter stages of the Champions League next season, suggesting it could be a spin off show after joking he had no complaints about his Sancho interview.However he did spark controversy in March after questioning Abdo’s loyalty to her fiancee Malik.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarra’s CBS Sport controversy
    Jamie Carragher got himself into hot water in March after aiming a bizarre remark at colleague Kate Abdo live on CBS Sport.
    The pundit wore an Arsenal shirt at the end of the Gunners’ home leg against Bayern Munich and told Abdo she would have to wear it next.
    She rejected the offer, stating she is loyal.
    When the former Liverpool star asked to who, she said: “To Manchester United thank you very much.”
    Carragher’s next sentence caused stunned silence from the his co-stars as he joked: “Not to Malik.”
    After a brief pause, Abdo responded: “What, why would you even say that?”
    The next day Abdo reflected on the incident and dealt with it brilliantly, putting Carragher in his place.
    She said: “This group, we have been together for three-and-a-half years, I grew up with a brother and I feel like I have gained three more here.
    “Thierry Henry, of course, the golden child. He could do no wrong, always says the right thing, sets the example for the rest of us.
    “Intimidating? Yes, he can be, but he is the big brother we all look up to.
    “Then there is the middle child, Jamie Carragher, a chip on his shoulder, capable of saying anything for attention.
    “Does he go too far sometimes? Absolutely. But does he apologise? Yes he does.
    “But we all have that one annoying family member that we still love and accept.”

    Abdo later mocked Carragher over the incident, saying he has a “chip on his shoulder”.The pair often exchange banter with Carragher suggesting Abdo’s only job is to read the prompter.Watch Henry, Carragher and Richards introduce themselves to viewers on live TV in ‘cringey’ CBS Sports segmentBBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:

    BBC presenters:
    Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
    ITV presenters:
    Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods 
    BBC pundits:
    Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
    ITV pundits:
    Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
    BBC commentators:
    Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
    ITV commentators:
    Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
    BBC co-commentators:
    Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
    ITV co-commentators:
    Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More

  • in

    Jamie Carragher agrees to new CBS Sports role after downing EIGHT PINTS and interviewing Jadon Sancho on live TV

    JAMIE CARRAGHER has agreed to appear as a “roving reporter” on CBS Sports during next season’s Champions League.The pundit, 46, was sent to Dortmund last week as BVB took on Paris Saint-Germain at Signal Iduna Park.Jamie Carragher laughed as he recounted his Dortmund experienceCredit: CBSKate Abdo quizzed Carragher on a potential new roleCredit: CBSThe Liverpool legend interviewed Jadon Sancho after eight pints last weekCredit: CBSCarragher was welcomed as one of their own, drinking with fans before belting out You’ll Never Walk Alone on the Yellow Wall.Having returned to the studio for this week’s second leg, Carra was asked about his experience by presenter Kate Abdo.Quizzed about how he felt the next day, the former Liverpool star smiled as he admitted: “Hungover, but I loved it.”It was on the bucket list, I said that. Going to Borussia Dortmund, whether it was on this show or in years to come, as a football fan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But I’ve never actually been on the Kop and sang You’ll Never Walk Alone but I’ve now done it in the Yellow Wall as I like to call it.”To sing You’ll Never Walk Alone and be in there with my new family of friends was something I’ll never forget, it was brilliant – absolutely loved it.”Following Dortmund’s 1-0 win last week, Carragher interviewed Jadon Sancho after sinking eight pints.With the gang back in the studio having been left in hysterics, Abdo made a proposal to Carragher ahead of this week’s second leg.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe said: “It’s funny that you mention never having been on the Kop, maybe you could request that for next season.”Because one thing did happen after you weren’t here last week. We all had a bit of an impromptu meeting with production and talent and we had a vote.Jamie Carragher interviews Jadon Sancho on live TV after EIGHT PINTS and CBS Sports studio cannot bear to watch”And the vote was, do we think you should be sent out as a roving reporter for the show, should that be your new role next season?”You did it so well, we all thought you excelled.”To this, Carragher joked: “There was no complaints, was there?”Abdo, 42, laughed before replying: “Moving on… What do you think? You have the deciding vote I guess, would you like to do that?”Carragher considered his response before saying: “Not in the group stage.”Big semi-finals, yeah, I’ll do that. Knockout stages in big atmospheres, getting in there with the crowd.”I think that this could be a spin-off show.”Abdo joked: “Man of the people… but only at elite games.”This brought a laugh from Carragher, who said: “Exactly.”Carra’s new Dortmund pals will have been delighted with how the second leg played out.READ MORE SUN STORIESMats Hummels’ 50th minute header saw BVB see out the tie 2-0 on aggregate, despite Kylian Mbappe and Co spurning numerous chances.Edin Terzic’s side will face Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the final at Wembley – with the two sides to face off on Wednesday night locked at 2-2 from the first leg. More

  • in

    Major broadcasting change as Kate Abdo reveals Jamie Carragher’s CBS Sports Champions League replacement

    JAMIE CARRAGHER will be replaced on CBS Sports by Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero – for one night only.The popular pundit will be in Dortmund tonight to provide coverage of the Champions League semi-final clash between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.Kate ABdo announced Jamie Carragher’s replacement on CBS SportsCredit: Twitter @CBSSportsGolazoMicah Richards cheered in celebration after the revealCredit: Twitter @CBSSportsGolazoAlessandro Del Piero will replace Jamie Carragher for one night onlyCredit: GettyCarragher usually lines up alongside fellow pundits Thierry Henry and Micah Richards, with Kate Abdo presenting.But last night Abdo revealed there would be a personnel change thanks to Carragher’s travels.And when she revealed Del Piero would be the man to replace the former Liverpool defender, Richards cheered in excitement.Carragher shouted “No!” and flung his arms in the air, having earlier claimed CBS Sports would not be able to find a better replacement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJuventus legend Del Piero, who won the Champions League in 1996, has previously worked for CBS Sports as a pitchside pundit so should feel at home.Carragher will also feel he is in familiar surroundings at Dortmund as the home crowd sing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ before every match.He even belt out his own version live on air yesterday during an interview with Manchester United icon Peter Schmeichel.It got too much for the Dane who turned and walked away from the camera.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis prompted fits of laughs from the CBS crew, with Schmeichel quickly returning to his post and enjoying the joke.He then noted: “I said to Jamie before, finally there’s a crowd who can sing that song!”Schmeichel added: “What I can guarantee is when you hear that song tomorrow, it will be sung a lot better.”Man Utd legend Peter Schmeichel walks out of post-match interview after Jamie Carragher’s antics on CBS Sports More

  • in

    ‘I’m sick of this!’ fumes Micah Richards as CBS Sports pundit calls out Premier League cult hero live on TV

    MICAH RICHARDS hilariously mocked ex-Premier League ace Nigel Reo-Coker live on CBS Sports last night.The former Manchester City star, 35, is a regular face on our TV screens for BBC’s long-running show Match of the Day and Sky Sports.Nigel reo-Coker was left red-faced by Micah Richards on CBS SportsCredit: CBSThe ex-Man City ace then roasted him for 30 seconds by reading off a piece of paperCredit: CBS SportsRichards, who won the title with the Cityzens in 2012, is also part of hit podcast The Rest Is Football, where he recently revealed that he was the victim of a disgusting prank.However, he also manages to fit into his busy schedule a job as a pundit for CBS Sports as well.The 13-time capped ex-England ace was on duty for the 2-2 draw between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final last night.Richards was joined in the studio by host Kate Abdo as well as Arsenal icon Thierry Henry and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut before kick off, they were joined virtually by former MLS player Charlie Davies and West Ham and Aston Villa cult hero Reo-Coker.They were discussing why Zinedine Zidane’s name had not been mentioned regarding some of the big managerial vacancies available this summer.Reo-Coker, 39, asked the question while looking down at a piece of paper instead of the camera – and it was quickly spotted by the sharp Richards.He said: “Why are you having to read it off of a piece of paper?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRaucous laughter filled the studio as Reo-Coker tried to claim: “I’m looking at a screen.”That failed to deter Richards, who went on to roast his pal by using his own notebook to mock him.Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard on live TV but Chelsea legend has perfect responseA bit later in the show the incident was brought back up, to which Richards said: “I’m sick of this. I’m sick of it.”To which Carragher warned: “Nige is coming for you tomorrow!” Previously Reo-Coker has praised Carragher for being the “nicest one” in the England squad back in 2006.That was after the former midfielder was named as a stand-by by Sven-Goran Eriksson for the World Cup in 2006.Meanwhile, Richards has spoken about how CBS have given him and his colleagues licence to be themselves on air.He said: “At CBS we have the license to show our personalities.“We trust each other on the serious and analytical stuff. When we have trust in a person.Can you name the famous fathers?
    “Sometimes we go back and forth. Some viewers think we’re mad at each other, but it’s just like two friends having an argument.“Because we work together for Sky and CBS we have great chemistry. We understand each other.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We know where the line is, but we can both be self-deprecating.“If I say something to someone else they may take it to heart, but I know with him, he just rolls with the punches and knows where I am coming from.”Nigel Reo-Coker played in the Premier League for the likes of Aston Villa and West HamCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

  • in

    Jamie Carragher reveals Micah Richards ‘nearly QUIT’ CBS Sports after Champions League final snub

    JAMIE CARRAGHER quipped that Micah Richards nearly left CBS Sports after being snubbed for the Champions League final.After a chat with Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel, the pundits were joking about a rotation policy.Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards shared a joke in the CBS StudioCredit: CBS SportsCarragher and Richards seem to be enjoying their eveningsCredit: CBSCarragher, 46, said: “Micah got rotated for Peter in the Champions League final, do you remember? That caused a problem.”You nearly left didn’t you?”Richards replied: “It caused a very big problem. It didn’t happen again.”The studio were left in fits of giggles at the exchange – the latest in a series of jibes between the presenters.MORE IN FOOTBALLCarragher may have been getting his own back after Richards, 35, claimed he had some “dodgy moments” earlier in the show.He could have been referring to Carra’s misguided joke that Abdo had not been loyal to boyfriend Malik Scott.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarragher has also called on Uefa to make sure Champions League knockout ties are not played at the same time after last night’s thrilling encounters.He said: “Can we just say last night was terrific, one of the best nights in the Champions League we’ve had.Most read in Champions League”The only negative, and I don’t want to put a negative on it, is both matches were played at the same time.”Abdo replied: “Do we want to lodge an official complaint?”‘We need to speak to Uefa’, say CBS Sports panel as Kate Abdo and Co reveal major Champions League complaintCarragher then said: “Uefa, we need to speak to Uefa, don’t we?”Before Richards joked: “Of course we do. We’re big friends with Uefa aren’t we?”Can you name the famous fathers? More