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      Liverpool legend Fernando Torres to step down as Atletico Madrid U19s coach at end of season

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      FERNANDO TORRES is set to leave his role as Atletico Madrid’s Under-19s manager, it’s been claimed.The Atleti legend was given the job in July 2021 and impressed early doors.Fernando Torres has been in charge of Atletico Madrid’s Under-19s for over two yearsCredit: REXBut the Spaniard is reportedly set to leave his role at the end of the seasonCredit: EPABut questions were being asked about his future last month after his troops were dumped out of the UEFA Youth League by AZ Alkmaar.And according to reports, the Spaniard has decided to move onto pastures new. Relevo claim Torres has decided to “step down” from his role at the end of the season.His reported plans to leave the club has left the Atletico brass facing a big decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTalks over his future are said to be on tap for the end of the month.Torres, 40, was seemingly being groomed to take charge of Atletico’s B team.But the success of current Atleti B boss Luis Garcia Tevenet has made that unlikely.The Rojiblancos brass could, however, decide to give the club legend a position in first-team manager Diego Simeone’s coaching staff.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFernando Torres is one of the greatest players in the history of Atletico MadridCredit: EPAFormer Liverpool hitman Torres was honoured with Atleti’s decision to give him the role of Under-19s coach.Reflecting on the news on Twitter, he said: “I’m proud and happy to be returning home.Hench Fernando Torres works up a sweat and pumps some iron in gym after ex-Chelsea star’s stunning body transformation”It’s an exciting challenge I’ve got in front of me.”And we’ll give everything we can to continue to serve our club.”Torres came up through the Atletico’s youth teams before making his first-team debut in 2001.He would go on to score 129 goals in three separate stints for the club.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Tottenham fans cry ‘this has to be a joke’ as rearranged Premier League fixture leaves Spurs with horror run

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      TOTTENHAM fans have raged at the “joke” rearranged Premier League fixture list that leaves them with a horror run. The Champions League-chasing side were due to play London rivals Chelsea in February but it was postponed due to the Carabao Cup final. Tottenham face a horror run of fixturesCredit: GettyNow they visit Stamford Bridge on Thursday, May 2. Just three days later they travel to Liverpool, which was moved from Saturday to Sunday as a result. It means they play Newcastle on April 13 away, then host Arsenal on the 28th before the Chelsea and Liverpool matches.The break between Newcastle and Arsenal is because of the FA Cup semi-finals when Spurs would have played Man City, meaning that fixture is still to be rearranged in the final few weeks of the season as well. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe run of fixtures had Spurs fans outraged as one said: “This has to be a joke.” Another moaned: “Once again being screwed over, when we’re not even in Europe. They’ve had opportunities to play these.”One joked: “Seems fair…”Another fumed: “Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool all within 8 days. Brilliant.”Most read in FootballSpurs are fifth, one point behind Aston Villa with a game in hand, and dropped points in the 1-1 draw with West Ham. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManager Ange Postecoglou spoke out about the missed opportunity and joked he wanted a “joystick” to control his players. He said: “I thought for the most part we controlled the game pretty well. Raging Roy Keane once told forgotten Man Utd star ‘you’ll never make it.. you’ll be playing pub league’ in scathing rant”They are a big strong team. They sit deep and make it difficult for you. “You have to be fairly calm in your approach but also really disciplined because they are a threat from the counter-attack.”We conceded from a set-piece but the rest of the set-pieces we coped with really well. In the front third we lacked a bit of clarity of thought.”But they are human beings, it is just football. I would love to have a joystick and put them where I want them, but it doesn’t work like that.”Sometimes we have more time than we think. There were times when the ball was flashed across the box when we should have been in those areas.”It is all part of the development. That is why we have coaches, why we develop a system. We are not the finished article and we know that.”There was enough there tonight for me to say that it is a team still heading in the right direction.” Ange Postecoglou watched Spurs drop points against West HamCredit: Getty More

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      Thomas Partey hints at Arsenal contract extension despite Mikel Arteta considering cashing in on injury-prone star

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      THOMAS PARTEY has hinted he wants to extend his contract at Arsenal.The Gunners midfielder’s deal expires next summer – having joined from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for £45m – but there have so far been no talks over a fresh offer. Thomas Partey made a rare Prem start against Luton in mid-weekCredit: GettyMikel Arteta is deliberating over whether to let the injury-prone star leave this summerCredit: GettyInjuries have plagued the Ghanaian’s four-year stay at the Emirates, and made just his second start of the season since August during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Luton following surgery on a thigh issue.There is speculation that Mikel Arteta may look to cash in on the 30-year-old this summer ahead of another recruitment drive.Juventus have previously been interested, while Partey has also been linked to a switch to the Saudi Pro League.But Partey has told Arteta that he sees his future in North London, explaining: “My head is always here. This is where I choose to play, I’m really happy every time I’m on the field.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“I know a lot of speculations have been going on, but for me, I’m really happy to be here and to continue playing for this club.“I still have to the end of the season, I think. I have to do my best and try to perform at the highest level and I think the most important is to be available every time.”Arteta will hope Partey can contribute in Arsenal’s push for a sensational Prem and Champions League double this term.Partey added: “I feel good. I’ve improved a lot on my fitness, and I’m trying my best to keep on going at this level and keep giving my best.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Ghanaian’s future was further complicated last summer with the £105m arrival of Declan Rice from West Ham.England star Rice has been a revelation at the Emirates, firing the Gunners above champions Man City and to within touching distance of leaders Liverpool in the title race.Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal star Mikel Arteta signed after his own failed attempt More

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      Oleksandr Zinchenko says Arsenal can be world beaters ahead of their drive for Premier League and Champions League glory

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      OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO believes Arsenal are ready to be world beaters ahead of a season-defining two weeks.The Gunners remain at the heart of a thrilling three-pronged Premier League title race after beating strugglers Luton 2-0 at the Emirates on Wednesday night thanks to Martin Odegaard’s first half strike and Daiki Hashioka’s own goal.Oleksandr Zinchenko starred in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Luton on WednesdayCredit: GettyGunners boss Mikel Arteta is eyeing Prem and Champions League glory this termCredit: ReutersThat is now nine wins from their last 10 Prem outings – including going unbeaten against title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City since the turn of the year.However, their biggest tests remain on the horizon this month both domestically and in EuropeAfter Saturday’s trip to Brighton, Mikel Arteta’s men face Bayern Munich over two legs in the Champions League quarter finals on April 9 and April 17, either side of hosting top four chasing Aston Villa on April 14.With their hopes of silverware still in the balance, Ukrainian international Zinchenko has sent a rallying cry to his teammates.READ MORE ARSENALAsked if Arsenal’s unbeaten streak – including a hard-fought 0-0 draw away at City last weekend – gives them confidence, Zinchenko said: “Yeah, I won’t lie to you.“We are fighting for something big this season. It shows we are ready to compete with the best teams in the world.“It’s not easy to play against City away and also Liverpool away and the other teams as well. It shows Arsenal are ready to fight for it.”Zinchenko arrived from City last summer for £35m, and was a part of the Arsenal side that threw away an eight-point lead at the top to Pep Guardiola’s men last term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 27-year-old full-back added: “When I came here I saw already a lot of qualities here and a lot of different players with such a big talent.“This year all of us we’ve got more experience, we’ve played with each other much, much more and I think we’re improving.”Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal star Mikel Arteta signed after his own failed attempt Zinchenko made his first Prem start against the Hatters since early February, having lost his place to makeshift Polish defender Jakub Kiwior in recent weeks.With the impending return of left-back Jurrien Timber after his knee surgery back in August, Zinchenko is relishing the competition for places.He said: “It is good for all of us and the team as well that we have good competition in each position. We need to fight and work hard to deserve this opportunity to play every time.”I used to give Declan Rice compliments on the football pitch… I couldn’t help myself, says Troy DeeneyBy Troy Deeney
      THERE are certain people that you come across in football and you know instantly who they are, what they’re about and what the trajectory of their life is going to be.
      Anyone who has worked or grown up with Declan Rice knows that he has always been destined for the top.
      When he was at West Ham, he was a centre-half who played in midfield purely to help out and ended up excelling.
      The way he used to listen and learn from his old captain Mark Noble and be a student of the game was second to none.
      And because of that, whenever I interacted with him on a football pitch, I never felt the need to be disrespectful towards him because there was just a pure will to win.
      We would tell each other to ‘do one’ every now and again but then I would get these weird moments when he would do something special and I couldn’t help but say, ‘Good touch, mate’.
      He had this joyful atmosphere around him which you can see in all of his interviews, even now at Arsenal. You never see him get in trouble, being outlandish, but he has that jokey personality.
      He is still quite kiddish at 25, yet with a very serious body and mind in terms of being the best player he can be.
      When he was announced as England captain against Belgium, there was no outrage, no shock or surprise or, ‘Why him?’. It was more a sense of, ‘Yeah, that makes sense’.
      There is no doubt in my mind that he is in line to take the armband for his country full-time after Harry Kane moves on, alongside his midfield partner Jude Bellingham.
      Click here to read Troy Deeney’s column in full. More

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      Staggering final cost of new Bernabeu revealed after Real Madrid move into state-of-the-art 85,000-capacity stadium

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      THE cost of Real Madrid’s newly-renovated Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has been revealed.Los Blancos announced plans for a new-look stadium back in 2017 but they have taken several years to come to fruition.The newly-renovated Santiago Bernabeu is expected to cost £1.5BILLIONCredit: AlamyThe stadium has spent years under renovationCredit: AFPThe new-look stadium was due to fully reopen four months ago, but the date has been pushed back to this summer.While Real Madrid have continued playing there this season, some sections of the ground remain closed to the public until the official unveiling.The complete renovation will see the capacity of the stadium increased from 81,000 to 85,000.The Santiago Bernabeu will also boast new restaurants, bars and a space dedicated for e-sports.Read More on Real MadridAmong the latest features are a retractable roof and pitch as well as a new 450-space car park underneath.And a new 360 degree scoreboard is also set to be introduced.While Real Madrid chiefs initially claimed the total cost of the renovation would be just over £860MILLION (€1billion), Spanish economist Hector Mohedano has worked out that it will actually come to around £1.5bn (€1.8bn).Los Blancos signed a loan for £495m (€575m) in 2019 with a fixed interest of 2.5 per cent and an annual repayment plan of £25.5m (€29.5m) between 2023 and 2049.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTop 10 biggest football stadiums in the world

      Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, North Korea (114,000)
      Camp Nou, Spain (99,354)
      FNB Stadium, South Africa (94,736)
      New Administrative Capital Stadium, Egypt (93,940)
      Wembley Stadium, England (90,000)
      Lusail Stadium, Qatar (88,966)
      Estadio Azteca, Mexico (87,525)
      Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Malaysia (87,411)
      Borg El-Arab Stadium, Egypt (86,000)
      Santiago Bernabeu, Spain (85,000)

      Officials then requested another £195m (€225m) loan to “finance works not initially included in the remodelling of the stadium” two years later.A third loan worth £320m (€370m) was eventually requested with an interest rate of 5.3 per cent.Headline Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable with football pitch in underground greenhouse and amazing 360-degree big screenThose costs, plus the added interest, are expected to total just under £1.5bn (€1.8bn).Real Madrid currently sit at the top of the LaLiga table, eight points clear of Barcelona.Los Blancos also remain in Champions League contention.They will face Manchester City in the quarter-final first leg next week. More

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      ‘I’ve never been so embarrassed’ – Rio Ferdinand reveals Sergio Busquets’ savage jibe to him during win over Man Utd

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      RIO FERDINAND has revealed the brutal dig Sergio Busquets made towards him during the 2011 Champions League final.Manchester United were humbled at Wembley 13 years ago as Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona dominated Sir Alex Ferguson’s men in a 3-1 victory.Sergio Busquets left Rio Ferdinand thoroughly embarrassed with a comment during the 2011 Champions League finalCredit: GettyFerdinand relayed the story on the latest edition of Stick to FootballCredit: YouTube/ THE OVERLAPThe Spanish giants finished the game with 67 per cent possession, while they also resorted Man Utd to just one shot on target – that being Wayne Rooney’s goal.And Ferdinand, 45, has now admitted midfielder Busquets added insult to injury by mocking both him and centre-back partner Nemanja Vidic about the number of long balls they were playing.Speaking on Sky Bet’s Stick to Football, he said: “I remember I picked up the ball in a bit of a scuffle with Busquets – it was late on – they were winning.”I took the ball off him and the referee blew the whistle or whatever and he went ‘You, Vidic, boom, boom boom’, like ‘Long ball, long ball, long ball’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I almost laughed. I felt so embarrassed. I’ve never been so embarrassed on the pitch.”Ferdinand then went on to detail what was said between him, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rooney after the match.He added: “I remember after the game going up to watch them get the trophy, it was me, Giggsy, Scholesy and I think Wazza might have been there.”Everyone does that now [hand over the face], we were the start of that. We were going ‘Let’s get off this pitch, f***ing hell, we’ve been embarrassed’.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd’s 2011 loss to Barcelona was their second Champions League final defeat to the Catalan side in just three years.They had also been comprehensively outplayed in the 2009 final when goals from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi handed Guardiola’s men victory.Jill Scott stunned as Gary Neville aims brutal dig at old pal Rio FerdinandAnd Ferdinand looks back on their tactics in both finals with a hint of regret.He said: “Both them finals we played pressing really high and our game around that time probably wasn’t that against the big teams in Europe.”Lyon away was a hard game back then and other teams we used to play. We used to be a bit more solid.” More

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      Two sons of Old Trafford cult hero sign first pro contracts with Man Utd as fans brand them ‘future Ballon d’Or winners’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have hailed Darren Fletcher’s sons as future stars after the pair signed their first professional contracts with the club.Jack Fletcher has impressed manager Erik ten Hag and has been fast-tracked into first-team training, while brother Tyler has played his part for the youth team.Jack and Tyler Fletcher have signed their first professional contract at Man UnitedThey are the sons of Darren FletcherCredit: GettyThe twin brothers have now been rewarded with their first professional contract at Manchester United.They were pictured signing their new deals at the same time.Fans are now expecting big things from 17-year-olds as they took to social media.One fan posted: “Future ballers.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDA second commented: “Dem be Future Ballon D’or Winners!”A third wrote: “Both Utd legends already.”A fourth said: “They will win the Champions League at United. Wise decision”Another added: “Future champions.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMany will be hoping they can emulate father Darren, who starred for the Manchester outfit.The Scot spent 12 years at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2015 after graduating from the academy.Gary Neville reveals surprise clash had ‘best atmosphere I’ve ever seen in my life’ – and it wasn’t at Old TraffordFletcher made 223 appearances for the club in the Premier League, scoring 18 goals.He won the league on five occasions, as well as the FA Cup, League Cup, and Champions League.Tyler and Jack may be team-mates on a domestic level, but they are rivals on the international stage.Jack is currently representing England while Tyler switched allegiance back to Scotland.The duo were poached from rivals Man City in a controversial switch last year.The deal to bring them to Man United from their Manchester rivals is believed to have been a record for their age group. More

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      Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne DROPPED to bench for huge Man City clash days after Roy Keane’s ‘League Two’ jibe

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      MANCHESTER CITY sensationally benched star names Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne for Wednesday’s home clash with Aston Villa.That’s despite boss Pep Guardiola blasting Roy Keane for labelling Haaland a “League Two player” after Sunday’s 0-0 home draw with Arsenal.Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne have been key men but were dropped on Wednesday following questionable recent formCredit: PAThe Norwegian goal machine and Belgian playmaker De Bruyne have been below their best in recent weeks – with Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku replacing them in the City starting line-up against Villa.But it will still shock many that Guardiola has dropped the two aces often regarded as his team’s biggest threats.The third-placed champions prepared for Wednesday’s clash one point behind Arsenal and a further two points adrift of Liverpool.And Manchester United legend Keane slammed Haaland’s all-round play after the weekend stalemate with the Gunners.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe 6ft 4ins poacher completed just seven passes and did not even record a shot on target.Pundit Keane told Sky Sports: “The levels of his general play is so poor”I think laying stuff off, headers, whatever it might be. In terms of in front of goal, he’s the best in the world.”But his general play for such a player is so poor. Not just today, he has to improve.Most read in Football”He’s almost like a League Two player, that’s how I look at him. His general play, it has to improve and it will do over the next few years.”Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralBut Guardiola insisted he still rates Haaland “the best striker in the world”.And he also appeared unhappy at Keane making such a harsh judgement on any player.The Spaniard said: “I do not agree with him. It’s like if I said he’s a manager for the second or third league. I don’t think so.” More