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    Mikel Arteta admits he knew before the season started that his Arsenal squad wasn’t good enough

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    MIKEL ARTETA admits his Arsenal squad was too small to challenge Liverpool for the Prem title.But the Gunners boss promised fans a major summer spending spree after a fifth season without delivering silverwareMikel Arteta admits his squad needs improvingCredit: RexInjury to Kai Havertz didn’t help as the Gunners suffered injuriesCredit: GettyJurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka reflect on Arsenal’s Champions League exitCredit: RexArsenal are set to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, a new No 9 – with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko the prime candidates – and are targeting a massive push for Bilbao’s left-sided Spain star Nico Williams.Boss Arteta said: “There are a lot of factors. We knew from the beginning of the season that our squad was super short.“Being super short we had some players that had a high probability of getting injured, because that’s what they had in the last few seasons.“So we knew that and we cannot do anything about it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But we will do everything that we can to improve the team and especially improve the players that we already have.“That is not something we have just started to talk about now. If we were only having those meetings now we would be doing it very late.Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimendi is certainCredit: Shutterstock Editorial“Whatever the market offers to give us a better chance to win for sure we will try to do it.“Over the season there are many things you need to go your way.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“In the clinical moments, does the ball hit the post and come out, or go in? That’s the fine margins.“What we have to try to do is to amplify the margins. The bigger the margins are, even if those things happen, then it will be very difficult for the opposition.This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final“We have to do it our way. We have to be authentic with ourselves and what we believe, what we can do and what we’ve been doing. That’s it.”The impact of absences has been evident for Arsenal throughout the campaign.Only William Saliba and Declan Rice have started more than 30 Prem games this season, with another quartet – Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard over the 30-mark in total league appearances.By contrast, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Mo Salah have started 104 out of 105 times between them, with another seven players having featured 30 or more times.Arteta agreed: “That’s a big thing to win trophies, you know, and they did that extremely well.Arsenal will go all out for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico WilliamsCredit: Rex“They managed to maintain that consistency, that level of players, a system, a coach, a stadium that has created again, and consistently, an incredible atmosphere for them.“So you need a lot of ingredients or you don’t win the Premier League.“That’s the difficulty of it, and it’s true that this season we never found that consistently because of the issues that we had.“I don’t want to use it as an excuse.“We have the best League in the world, yes? We all agree.We knew from the beginning of the season that our squad was super short.Mikel Arteta“But we were the only team from this League on the park in the semi-finals of the Champions League. That’s the level.”Arteta dismissed any interest in the suggestion that, if they win the Europa League, Spurs might argue they have had a more successful season despite flirting with the drop zone.He joked: “I am only looking at my own garden.”But it is the Liverpool garden that he will be looking at this afternoon and Arteta conceded: “What Arne did was very intelligent.“He had all the platform – a team that has been competing and winning trophies throughout the last 10 years. So he had to do nothing new.“He’s added his values, and he maintained a lot of the things. He’s obviously given his fingerprints to a lot of things that are very, very good as well.“The most important thing is he got the best out of the players.I really want it because that is what this club needs and has been so close to achieving. Now we need to make it happen.Mikel Arteta on winning trophies “And the players that have to make the difference, they were there constantly, making the difference for them. That’s capital to win any major trophy.“But we want to have the sort of celebrations they are having now, big-time. Watching that will show that we have not won a competition we wanted to win.Read More on The Sun“I really want it because that is what this club needs and has been so close to achieving.“Now we need to make it happen. We have talked about it many times and will continue for sure with the same drive – or more – until we achieve it.” More

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      I was Alan Shearer’s strike partner but Alexander Isak can break his Newcastle scoring record – no defender can stop him

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      ALEXANDER ISAK has been backed to break Alan Shearer’s goal record – by Super Al’s former Newcastle strike partner.The Swedish superstar, 25, has already secured the Toon Army a first major piece of silverware in 70 years.Alexander Isak has already cemented his status in Newcastle folkloreCredit: GettyShola Ameobi recently led Team Newcastle at the Emirates 5sCredit: Matt McNulty – The FAAnd he can further cement his name in Geordie folklore by firing them to Champions League qualification for the second time in three years.Isak has scored 62 goals in 107 appearances since his £63m arrival from Real Sociedad in 2022 – with 27 of those coming this season.The £150m-rated hotshot still has some way to go to surpass Shearer’s club record haul of 206 but Shola Ameobi, who spent six years as a team-mate of the legend, believes if anyone can it’s their current talisman.Ameobi, who sits 17th in Newcastle’s all-time scoring standings with 79, said: “I played with Alan and know the level that he was able to attain. Alex is still young in his career but you look at his age and what he’s already been able to do – the sky is the limit.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“If he’s going to continue to break records and really sort of establish himself as one of the best ever at Newcastle then you need that longevity.“But look at the goals he scored, the level of play that he has and the scary thing is there’s still a lot of development to be had. He’s playing really well but there’s so many things that he can continue to develop to make himself really one of the best in the Premier League.“He’s probably up there along with Mo Salah. I know he has a lot of hunger, and Alex wants to be the very best he can.”He’s humble, he’s got humility, he wants to learn and everything that he’s done for this club since he’s arrived has been world class and hopefully he can continue to do that and we’ll certainly need him at his very best this weekend.Most read in Football“When he’s at his best, there’s no defender that can stop him from scoring goals. He’s just that good. And if we can continue to get that consistency out of him week in, week out, then the sky is the limit and he can have a chance of breaking that record.”BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOn the subject of greats, Ameobi says Sir Bobby Robson was the best manager he played under but insists Eddie Howe is “cut from the same cloth”.Ameobi, who now works as loans manager at Newcastle, said: “There’s a great case to be made that he is, certainly in my lifetime, one of the greatest Newcastle managers.”And if he keeps on this trajectory in terms of maximising the development of the squad and adding to that he’ll continue to build.Newcastle legend, 41, spotted BUSKING in city centre and gushes over ‘dream come true’ to play in ‘my home’“We want to be playing Champions League football. That’s the expectation now of not just the fans but ownership and I feel like the staff and the players themselves feel they’ve got a good enough squad to be able to challenge right at the top of our league and in Europe.“Bringing a trophy to the club – Eddie, Jason Tindall, his staff and players have delivered. I hope that gives us that little impetus to know that we can compete and go again.“There’s only a handful of clubs that could probably tempt Eddie away from Newcastle because he is settled with his family and knows what project we have here and the size of what we could achieve.”Howe can further strengthen his legacy on Tyneside with a top five finish and knows that Newcastle’s Champions League qualification remains in their own hands as they head into their final three games, starting with today’s bumper showdown at St James’. Alan Shearer is Newcastle’s record goalscorer with a tally of 206Credit: PASwedish star Alexander Isak has scored 62 in 107 appearancesCredit: GettySpeaking ahead of the game – where the club will fans free beer – Ameobi added: “I don’t think it’s the biggest game of the season – it’s another step in what has already been a long season. The players have done unbelievable to get to this point.“Chelsea is one that could be season-defining but we know that every game for all those teams in the mix are really important. But this is one, certainly being at home in front of our fans, should give the boys a lot of confidence.“Going down to Brighton and getting a point was massive and that should give us confidence to go into this game. We don’t feel like if we win that’s it all said and done. “We still still have to go and finish the rest of the games and if we’re going to get in the Champions League we’re going to have to win two of our games. Certainly a win this weekend will make the job a lot easier.”Ameobi last week showed he had lost none of his own magic as he took part in The Emirates 5s, a 5-a-side tournament created to celebrate the airline’s sponsorship of the Emirates FA Cup.Team Newcastle celebrate winning the Emirates 5s at St Georges ParkHeld at St. George’s Park, four legends – Shola Ameobi, Ben Foster, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Jermain Defoe each captained a team starring influencers, non-league players and individuals making a positive change in their local communities as they represented Emirates flight hubs in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Newcastle and battled it out on the pitch to be crowned champions.Ameobi not only scored the goal of the tournament but also led his side to a tournament win.His team also featured 21-year-old Michael Ndiweni, who left St James’ Park in 2024 and is now at Newcastle Blue Star and has also played in the Baller League.Read More on The SunAmeobi said: “I worked with Michael at Newcastle and coached him U11/U12s back in the day. He made the bench in the Champions League a couple of years ago but has now had to drop down, which you see a lot. But it’s great to see the likes of Michael keeping in the game and wanting to develop himself like Connor Walker also, who was fantastic.“That was key for me, seeing the passion of these young boys that haven’t quite made it at league level yet but are still looking to develop themselves. Certainly Michael has done that.” More

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      Jude Bellingham ‘facing major surgery’ after England and Real Madrid star played through pain for 18 MONTHS

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM is set to have surgery a long-standing shoulder problem after playing through 18 months of pain.The Real Madrid star has reportedly delayed going under the knife since dislocating his shoulder a year and a half ago.Jude Bellingham is reportedly set to have surgery on his shoulder this summerThe Real Madrid star has been playing through pain for 18 monthsBut, according to Spanish outlet Marca, “everything points to Bellingham having surgery on his shoulder” this summer.The 21-year-old star fell awkwardly during a clash with Rayo Vallecano in November 2023.He was forced to miss Los Blancos’ next two matches, while also being absent for England’s final two Euro 2024 qualifiers.Since, Bellingham has been playing with his shoulder heavily strapped to avoid aggravating the injury.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere were suggestions that the England international would have the surgery after Euro 2024.But, with the Three Lions reaching the final against Spain, there was little in the way of a break before the new LaLiga campaign.Bellingham did miss the first few weeks of this term, after picking up a muscle injury to his lower right leg in pre-season but chose not have his shoulder fixed.Bellingham will be due to play over the summer in the Fifa Club World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe tournament begins on June 14 and if Madrid make the final, that takes place a month later on July 13.But it is unknown whether he will miss the tournament to go under the knife.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal Bellingham has faced criticism from Madrid fans in recent weeks.The midfielder was blamed for making a mistake for Barcelona’s opening goal in Madrid’s 3-2 Copa del Rey final defeat.He gave the ball away on the half-way line – with his pass intercepted by Barca star and goalscorer Pedri. The Birmingham starlet was later sent off for dissent in the final moments of the match, before it was later overturned a few days later.Madrid remain four points behind Barca in LaLiga, with four games remaining.The two giants face each other in an all-or-nothing El Clasico on Sunday night. More

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      ‘Don’t agree with it’ – Paul Scholes slams Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd team selection as it leaves ‘bad taste in your mouth’

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      PAUL SCHOLES has blasted Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for sacrificing the Premier League in favour of a Europa League run.The Red Devils reached the final of Europe’s secondary club competition this week with a 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao.Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final this weekCredit: ALAMYWinning the tournament will paper over the cracks of an incredibly poor domestic seasonCredit: REUTERSManager Ruben Amorim has seemingly prioritised the competition over the Prem in recent weeksCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKClub legend Paul Scholes is far from happy with the Portuguese’s approach as of lateCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKUnited’s European run has brought some respite from their woeful league form, which has left them in 15TH PLACE in the table.Amorim has clearly prioritised the Europa League with his team selections in recent weeks, giving rising stars including Tyler-Fredricson and Harry Amass more game time than he might otherwise have done.TNT Sports pundit Scholes wrote in his column for the broadcaster: “Manchester United should be able to play in two or three competitions at once without sacrificing something, and they’ve clearly sacrificed the league.”I don’t like it and I don’t agree with it and I believe there has to be some sort of standards required in a Premier League team.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”It’s almost as if they go into Premier League games and there’s an acceptance that they’re not going to win the game, which is madness.”I think the acceptance has come from everyone.”Scholes firmly believes one figure is to blame for United seemingly being resigned to losing their league matches.He continued: “I think it’s come from the manager, even though he won’t admit it. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMan Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford…”He’s not playing teams to win games of football in the league.”I think even fans are thinking, ‘Let’s get these league games out of the way because the league has been a disaster.’Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!”They’re probably thinking, ‘Play whoever you want, we don’t care.’ “There’s an acceptance to it, which I think is wrong, because the Premier League is your bread and butter.”But if you’re going to get Champions League football by winning the Europa League, it’ll all be forgotten, I hope.”There is that bad taste in your mouth that the Premier League form is so bad, and they might regret it next year.”I think the manager should be using this time to learn how to win games when you’re not playing that well, because it’s going to happen again next year.”I don’t think you can just switch a button next season and, all of a sudden, you’re going to see them play brilliantly in the league.Read More on The Sun”I think it’s quite risky sacrificing the Premier League for the sake of Champions League football next year.”United will face familiar opposition in Tottenham – who bested Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final tie – in this month’s Europa League final in Bilbao. More

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      Albanian Laura Woods goes braless in pink top as she bags new presenting role in completely different sport

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      EVA MURATI is no stranger to turning heads with bold outfits.And her latest get-up left little to the imagination. Eva Murati has been dubbed the ‘Albanian Laura Woods’ due to her Champions League coverageCredit: INSTAGRAM@EVAMURATIThe 29-year-old has a massive following on social mediaCredit: Instagram / evamuratiMurati stunned during her live coverage of Stage One of the Giro d’ItaliaCredit: INSTAGRAM@EVAMURATIShe proudly showed off her bold outfit on her InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@EVAMURATIThe Champions League presenter has been dubbed the “Albanian Laura Woods” by legions of smitten footie fans.The Tring TV and Vizion Plus presenter has garnered quite the social media following thanks to her insight and bold outfits. Murati, 29, has garnered a whopping 1.1 million followers on Instagram alone. And she gave them a breathtaking display during her recent coverage of the Giro d’Italia, which kicked off in her homeland on Friday.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSMurati went braless as she donned a tight pink strappy top and flowy white trousers. She proudly showed off her outfit, as well as some of her coverage of Stage One of the race, to her Instagram stories and main grid.Scores of her followers rushed to the comments section, with one saying: “Beautiful.” Another said: “You are my love.” Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEva Murati has shown her versatility as a presenter with her coverage of the Giro d’ItaliaCredit: INSTAGRAM@EVAMURATIAnd another said: “It is impossible to stop gazing at your beautiful eyes.” One remarked with love-heart emojis: “So beautiful, Eva.”Meet glam Champions League host Eva MuratiAnother chimed in with two fire emojis: “Stupendous.”Stage One of the Giro d’Italia was won by Mads Pedersen, who wears the pink shirt going into Stage Two. More

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      Whoever wins out of Man Utd and Tottenham has had a better season than Arsenal – they should be celebrated, not mocked

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      WE are getting to a stage in football where everyone is constantly miserable and negative, moaning about everything.All this talk that Manchester United or Tottenham should not be allowed to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League because of their league positions.Troy Deeney has said Arsenal face having a worse season than Man Utd or SpursCredit: ReutersMan Utd made the Europa League final after beating Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregateCredit: Shutterstock EditorialTottenham are in their first European final for six years after beating Bodo/Glimt 5-1 over two legsCredit: RexWhoever wins the Europa League will also book their spot in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPAnd it has come from Arsene Wenger, of all people — the man who made a career out of finishing fourth with Arsenal to qualify for the Champions League and saying that was an achievement?He is now saying that winning in Europe to play in a bigger European competition is not good enough because of where they finish in the league? Nonsense.Manchester City have had a terrible year but could win the FA Cup — is that not allowed either?Why can’t we just be positive and happy for two English clubs reaching a European final? And let’s not forget — Chelsea are in one too. We want English teams to win stuff, don’t we? I can’t remember many having a whinge when West Ham qualified for the Europa League after winning the Conference League in 2023 when they finished 14th in the league.A lot of teams are now taking the FA Cup more seriously because it means European qualification.It is the same with the Europa — it makes people want to win it more. What’s bad about that?I don’t tend to agree with Ange Postecoglou on a lot, but I do when others are suggesting United and Spurs are “too good” for the Europa League, and Ange is asking: Why?BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, when he said people “fear” Spurs winning it — what’s the fear? We would all welcome it.I would also hope the narrative around them not winning anything would change.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!My “fear” is that if Spurs win it, they will still be in the same place with their manager’s future up in the air and doubts over whether they can push on. Whereas, at least with United, I reckon it could be a real springboard to go attract proper signings and improve.On a wider point, is this not also a reflection of how poor European football is currently as a whole?We have got two teams sitting 15th and 16th in the Premier League, not doing anything and getting beaten up by the likes of West Ham and Nottingham Forest.Why can’t we just be positive and happy for two English clubs reaching a European final? And let’s not forget — Chelsea are in one too. We want English teams to win stuff, don’t we?Troy DeeneyAnd yet, they are both one game away from the very top table of Europe football. Is that saying more about us or them?We are routinely mocked for saying we have the best league in the world, and two teams close to the relegation zone are breezing through Europe with barely a scratch.I thought these lower competitions were supposed to be giving other teams on the continent more of a chance? It hasn’t been that way so far.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMan Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford…Would Spurs say they have had the hardest draw? Probably not.Bodo/Glimt are not a top team and none of their players are suddenly going to get bought this summer by top sides.But that is the team that they were drawn against and they dealt with it.What do you want them to do? They are where they are.It is just opposition fans trying to spin the wheel, whether it is throwing knives at United or Spurs.We are routinely mocked for saying we have the best league in the world, and two teams close to the relegation zone are breezing through Europe with barely a scratch.Troy DeeneyOr Arsenal fans saying they are the best team ever after losing a Champions League semi-final.Or even worse, Mikel Arteta claiming they have been the best team in Europe this year. How? How do these things correlate?The reality is that United and Spurs are in a European final and whoever wins will technically have a better season than Arsenal have had, because they have actually won something.Just worry about yourselves, your own team, your own club, and stop moaning.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Marco Asensio’s mum told Florentino Perez he’d be Real Madrid star aged NINE before tragic death from cancer

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      IT was the mother of all predictions that still brings a tear to the eye of Marco Asensio two decades down the line.A bold-as-brass prophecy from his biggest fan, before he was even at the baby-steps stage of a career which took him to the European summit.Marco Asensio has been a revelation for Aston Villa since his loan move from PSGCredit: REXAsensio became a global name during his trophy-laden stint with Real MadridCredit: AFPThe Spain international joined Real from Mallorca in December 2014Credit: GETTYAsensio’s late mother, Maria, told Florentino Perez her son would be a Real star when he was nine years oldCredit: AlamyAnd ultimate proof that mums DO know best — as a trophy cabinet packed with football’s most glittering prizes testifies.If Aston Villa fans get their way, any more medals that the Spanish forward wins will be done in the claret and blue shirt of Unai Emery’s men.For it has taken Asensio, 29, just three months to become a cult hero to Villa supporters, 18 games and nine starts after arriving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.He has eight goals already, all celebrated with a look to the heavens, in memory of the mum who once told Real Madrid’s president that Marco would be a Bernabeu superstar.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAsensio was only nine, yet she knew her son had a gift — and was quick to tell Florentino Perez in their chance meeting at Puerto Portals in Mallorca.Maria and husband Gilberto had taken the family to see the luxury yachts in the marina and after spotting Perez on his boat, asked for a picture.Yet before heading off, she told the Real guv’nor to look at the pint-sized kid next to her, as one day he would pull on the most famous white shirt in football.While Perez simply smiled, Maria had no doubts. Neither did a man who was blown away from the day Asensio arrived at tiny Mallorcan club Platges de Calvia two years earlier.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJuan Pericas, a youth coach at the Spanish fifth-tier outfit, soon had the same conviction as Marco’s mum. He still chuckles at what she said to Perez.Marco Asensio scores a brilliant flicked goal in Real Madrid training Pericas revealed: “They asked Florentino for a photo and then his mother said, ‘You see this little boy? “‘He is my son Marco. One day he will play for Real Madrid and be very successful’.“That’s why, the day that Marco signed for Real, he cried like a child. He remembered his mother’s premonition.“He was seven when he joined us, an age when very few kids know what to do with the ball.“But he played with his head up and always made the right decision.“In his first season, he scored 64 goals and had 30 assists.“That was a huge thing for someone so young to have those stats.”Sadly, Maria never got to see her son at the Bernabeu, as she tragically passed away through cancer when he was just 15 and a youth player at Mallorca.Almost immediately, he was playing two categories above his age group, standing out against boys older and stronger.Before long, LaLiga’s big two were sniffing around — and when Real agreed to pay €4million in one hit for the 18-year-old, letting Mallorca keep him for the season, that swayed it.Marco has told me many times his mother is still his source of inspiration and he plays every match in her memory.”Juan Pericas on Marco Asensio’s late motherBarcelona missed out as they wanted the fee in four instalments — and Asensio was on the road to three Champions League wins in nearly a decade.And every golden moment was celebrated with a point to the heavens in tribute to the woman he says will always be his driving force.Just as they were when he left for Paris a couple of seasons ago — and since moving to the Midlands in February.Pericas added: “Marco has told me many times his mother is still his source of inspiration and he plays every match in her memory. “She left an indelible impact and lives on through Marco.“He has spoken many times of his desire to make her proud on every occasion.“That’s why, each time Marco scores, he celebrates by looking up at the sky. Every goal is dedicated to Maria.”Villa fans would love to see him bagging plenty more for them and they are urging Emery to pay the £12.5million or so that it would cost to make his move permanent this summer.Read More on The SunAnd Pericas is equally convinced that the two are a perfect fit.He added: “Marco is loving it in England. If everything can be worked out, it would be a great move for both of them.” More

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      Mikel Arteta does a Benitez as he rants about xG and tells Luis Enrique ‘look at the stats’ after bold Arsenal claim

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      MIKEL ARTETA doubled down as he insisted KO’d Arsenal WERE the Champions League’s best team —  and told Luis Enrique to ‘look at the stats’.Arteta was mocked by Paris Saint-Germain boss Enrique for claiming his men were better than the Munich-bound side — despite losing their semi 3-1 on aggregate.Mikel Arteta reckons the Gunners were unlucky in ParisArteta is basing his Arsenal verdict on figures like expected goals – and told everyone to look at the statsCredit: PARafa Benitez hit Alex Ferguson with his ‘facts’ in his infamous 2009 rantThe Arsenal chief — stopping just short of Rafa Benitez’s infamous ‘facts’ rant —  reiterated: “I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.“When you look at all the important stats, the ones that give you the best platform to win football matches, it’s crystal clear who was better.“With an expected goals of five against three, which we had over the two legs, normally you’re in the final.”Arteta’s statistical claims echoed then-Liverpool boss Benitez’s 2009 rant about Alex Ferguson, when the Spaniard blasted the Manchester United chief with a list of ‘facts’.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArteta said: “If you face PSG and they blow you away, you shake hands and say, ‘We’re not ready still’.“When you look them in the eye, suffocate them in the way we did there, you were the better team.“But it’s not about the winning probability, it’s actually making it count.”But the Gunners chief did accept Liverpool “deserve” to be crowned Prem winners  because his side have taken a “step backwards”. Most read in Champions LeagueMartin Odegaard and Co were shattered by their semi-final KOCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKArteta had been under fire for claiming Liverpool’s title-winning tally — they can still reach 91 points — was less than the 89 his men racked up last term or 84 in 2022-23, when they were again runners-up to Manchester City.He said: “It’s true. With the amount of points we had, we could have been champions twice.This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final“But we were not. In the Premier League we’ve gone a step backwards. Liverpool deserve to be champions.”While the thought of telling his team to line up on the Anfield pitch and give Liverpool their guard of honour on Sunday will be hard to swallow, the Spaniard knows it is something his players MUST do.To realise how close they came. To dig deeper to make sure the boot is on the other foot next term.Another campaign of near-misses has left Arteta wounded, no question.It is now five years and counting since the Basque watched his players parade round an empty Wembley with the FA Cup, the “Covid Final” win over Chelsea something from another age.I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.Mikel ArtetaSince then, while Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all won trophies, Arsenal have not, falling short at the moment of truth.Being the unwitting walk-on extras at an Anfield party tomorrow will rub home that point, as Arteta knows.He said: “Paris was a very emotional moment.“It was one of the saddest but one of the proudest moments that I have had as an Arsenal manager.“We put a lot of hope and energy and work into that and we didn’t get the outcome. You need to go through that to become stronger and better and that’s what we do.“We are providing the numbers that win you titles. We have to be a little bit luckier or still do better.“Again, with what we did in the Champions League, with those  numbers, you have a big probability of winning it. That’s why a lot of people were thinking that we could go all the way.Last-eight hero Declan Rice couldn’t quite help Arsenal past PSGCredit: Shutterstock EditorialArteta consoled Jurrien Timber as the Gunners missed out on the finalCredit: Reuters“Those two words, ‘success’ and ‘failure’, they are not part of my vocabulary.“But not winning trophies bothers me a lot because I love winning and absolutely hate losing.“If it doesn’t hurt then it means you don’t love winning as much as I do, that’s for sure.”The fear of some Gunners fans is that Arteta might end up as another North London “nearly man”, the sort of jibe they loved to throw at Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs when their most bitter rivals were in the local ascendancy but could not get over the winning line.Arteta and his “trust the process” mantra retain the backing of most of the Emirates faithful but the manager wants his players to feel as bad as the travelling fans shortly before 4.30pm on Sunday.He added: “Liverpool have been the best team, the most consistent team. When somebody is better you have to applaud and accept and try to reach that level.I have no doubts about these players and their attitude. I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight.Mikel Arteta“Something that has to drive you, motivate you, and pain probably is a good one to use.“When you don’t really want to do something but it’s the right thing to do, usually it is a motivation for next season.“We cannot win the Premier League, that is clear. But over the last 16 days, with three games to go, we must make sure that we do ourselves proud and compete to the end in the manner we deserve.”For many Arsenal fans — and  outside critics — it was the failure to address the elephant in the room in January, the club’s lack of an  out-and-out striker, that ended up being exactly as costly as was widely predicted. Pressed on that and the fact that Mo Salah’s goals for Liverpool have been one of the key differences in the campaign, Arteta did bristle.He asked: “Did I have to make it more clear in January? Was it clear or not?“If you score over 90 goals you have a high probability of winning the Premier League.“It doesn’t guarantee you, but you have a high probability if your defensive record is very good and very dependable.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.“Of course, there’s not that many who can put up those numbers in the Premier League, so I must improve and love the ones we have right now.“This is not the moment to judge players.”That is on Arteta himself as well. He said: “I have so much to achieve and do. That is what drives me every day.“The only way to achieve what you want is to have really high standards and demands.“We are very, very close to achieving it. I understand the disappointment, and the criticism. That is all part of it.“At the end there is one winner and the rest of them aren’t going to win, so they need to reinvent themselves and do better.“But I have no doubts about these players and their attitude.Read More on The Sun“I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight and how much we care about what is happening.“And what we still have to achieve, which is a big thing because we haven’t done it yet.”Thomas Partey gave his all in vain in the return leg at PSGCredit: Alamy More

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      Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea fans can watch their teams for FREE in Europa and Conference League finals

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      SPURS, Manchester United and Chelsea fans are set to be able to watch their sides’ European finals for free this month.Broadcaster TNT Sports is understood to be planning to make all three of this season’s Uefa Finals available to all fans through its Discovery Plus channel.Bruno Fernandes hopes Man Utd put aside domestic woe to beat fellow Prem strugglers Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21Credit: ReutersBrennan Johnson and Co might not save boss Ange Postecoglou’s job if Tottenham defeat the Red Devils in the Bilbao finalCredit: GettyCole Palmer’s Chelsea are gunning for Real Betis on May 28 in the Conference League showdownCredit: GettyWhile a formal announcement is yet to be made, Sun Sport understands TNT will repeat last season’s model for the three games.It means the all-Prem Europa League showdown between United and Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21, Chelsea’s Conference League climax with Real Betis in Wroclaw seven days later and the Munich Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG can all be watched by fans without a TNT subscription.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is under so much pressure he could even be axed if he triumphs.Tottenham have been trophyless since lifting the League Cup in 2008.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd United counterpart Ruben Amorim says victory for his team is the least his club’s fans deserve – after admitting he must get better at his job.It comes as the English top flight could have a record NINE teams competing in Europe next season.That would smash the previous best of five from 2017-18, which saw United miss out on the top four but win the Europa League.The Prem has been awarded five Champions League spots next season – thanks to performing so well under Uefa’s coefficient rankings.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan Utd and Spurs will fight for the Europa League trophyCredit: GettyThe key achievement in being rated so high was Arsenal beating Real Madrid in their quarter-final first leg.The Gunners went on to exit against Paris Saint-Germain in the semis – with Emirates boss Mikel Arteta sparking a mixed response for claiming his team were the best in the competition.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThis Conference League trophy is the prize at Chelsea vs BetisCredit: Shutterstock EditorialStamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea are accused of ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’Arsenal’s Real success meant the Prem’s Europa and Conference League places would now be filled by the sides finishing sixth and seventh.And they will down a spot further – if Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.Spurs and United are far closer to the bottom of the table than the teams challenging for European places.But whoever wins the Europa League final will book a Champions League place.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More