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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

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      Real Madrid and Bayern Munich ‘tracking Championship star’, 18, after breakthrough season with promotion chasers

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      ARCHIE GRAY is being watched closely by both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as they consider a move for the talented teenager. The European giants have been long-term admirers of the 18-year-old, who has emerged as one of England’s most in-demand players.Archie Gray has been long admired by Bayern Munich and Real MadridCredit: GettyThe Leeds star has been highly-rated for some time at Elland Road – and, with his family connections, he was always going to be a player in the spotlight.Gray is the son of Andy Gray, grandson of Frank Gray and great nephew of Eddie Gray – all former Leeds players.And now the teen has impressed Bayern Munich and Real Madrid scouts as Leeds won 3-1 against Hull City on Monday night. The Yorkshire side have gone unbeaten in their last 15 games and have been on a great run since the start of 2024.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOver the Easter weekend, they took another huge step towards sealing a Premier League return as they moved into second – just one point off leaders Ipswich.Gray has made 35 Championship starts to go with two substitute appearances this season.The midfielder has laid on two assists but is yet to trouble the scorers himself.Though he is one of Daniel Farke’s most important players, he is attracting a lot of interest and catching the eye of Europe’s top clubs. Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 18-year-old committed his future to Leeds last year when he signed on until 2028.The promotion hopefuls have no intention of selling Gray and hope an immediate return to the Premier League will fend off any interest. Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle were keen on a move for Gray last summer, having tried to lure him away before he put pen to paper on a new deal.Gareth Southgate has also praised Gray, saying he is doing “very, very well”, while admitting the Leeds ace is on his radar for a shock call-up to the England set up. More

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      Daniel Levy in talks to sell stake in Tottenham amid need for ‘significant increase’ in funds after transfer splurge

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      DANIEL LEVY has confirmed that Tottenham are looking to sell a stake in the club.The club say they have already held talks with prospective investors as they look to raise capital to invest in the squad going forward.Daniel Levy has announced Tottenham’s intention to sell a stake in the clubCredit: PAThe intention to sell a stake in Tottenham was announced in a statement released alongside the club’s financial results.Tottenham’s chairman, Levy, 62, said: “To capitalise on our long-term potential, to continue to invest in the teams and undertake future capital projects, the Club requires a significant increase in its equity base.”The Board and its advisors, Rothschild & Co, are in discussions with prospective investors. “Any recommended investment proposal would require the support of the Club’s shareholders.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe statement saw Spurs announce an increased loss of £86.8million for the year ending June 2023, up from £50.1m for the previous year.The club explained that the losses were down to splashing out on players last summer.They claimed the deficit “reflected the significant and continued investment in the playing squad” – though they also reported revenues of over half of a billion pounds for the first time.Spurs bought the likes of Richarlison for £60m, Pedro Porro for £40m, Guglielmo Vicario for £17m and James Maddison for £40m during the period accounted for (up until June 30, 2023).Most read in FootballSpurs have put their losses down to summer signingsCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe £104m sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich came after this period, so is irrelevant to the latest set of accounts submitted to Companies House – as is the £47.5m signing of Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest.Spurs are currently fifth in the Premier League under Ange Postecoglou, which could be enough to seal Champions League qualification this season.I’m a Tottenham cult hero but I want Arsenal to win the league more than ANYTHING… even England winning Euro 2024But if the club are to qualify, they will no doubt need to spend big to bolster a squad that has grown used to playing one game a week.Levy has been impressed with the job the Aussie has done since succeeding Antonio Conte – particularly with the implementation of a more exciting style.The supremo said: “The 2023-24 season, the first under Ange, was always going to be one of building for the future.“We have seen progress with the return of exciting, attacking football, even when faced with significant player injuries.“We continue to challenge for the highest possible place finish with eight games still to play and hope to bring European football to our home stadium again.” More

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      Arsenal ‘identify top midfield target and could sign Champions League star for LESS than cut price £51m transfer clause’

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      ARSENAL could attempt to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to reports.The Gunners are expected to dip into the transfer market when the window opens.Arsenal are interested in Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyWhile signing a new striker is understood to be the main priority, they could also look to recruit a midfielder.And Caught Offside claim Zubimendi is a top target.The Gunners have held an interest in the Spaniard for over a year.While Zubimendi has remained committed to Real Sociedad since extending his contract 18 months ago, he could be tempted to move on this summer.Read More on ArsenalArsenal could decide to trigger his £51million release clause in order to complete a deal quickly.However, the starting point for negotiations is expected to be lower.Zubimendi has been with Real Sociedad for over 13 years.He joined the club’s academy at the age of 12 and progressed through the ranks before making his first team debut in April 2019.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSZubimendi has established himself as a crucial player for Real SociedadThe midfielder has since made 186 senior appearances for the club.Zubimendi has also been capped five times for the Spanish national team.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.However, the midfielder is expected to stay at Villa Park if Unai Emery’s side qualify for the Champions League. More

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      Legendary Champions League stadium looks unrecognisable in throwback pics as it celebrates 50th anniversary

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      FEW stadiums rival Signal Iduna Park for size and atmosphere.So it’s fitting that Borussia Dortmund’s spectacular venue has so many special dates to recall on its 50th anniversary.This is how the Westfalenstadion looked at its onsetCredit: YouTubeThe venue looked far more humble half a century agoCredit: YouTubeThese flashback pics show how the ground was built on a tight budgetCredit: YouTubeNow the stadium is one of the greatest in EuropeCredit: GettyNow throwback pictures show how the stadium has grown from modest to magnificent in that half-century of fame. Apart from emerging as a glorious setting for Champions League matches, the home of the German giants has been full of historic occasions.Westfalenstadion – to give it the German name – hosted matches in the 1974 and 2006 World Cups, as well as Liverpool’s famous 2001 Uefa Cup final triumph.Yet the main reason it was even built in the first place now seems incredible.Dortmund were the first German team to win a European club title – the 1966 Cup Winners’ Cup.And the increasing number of fans attracted by such success meant the Stadion Rote Erde – Red Soil Stadium – became too small.But Dortmund couldn’t afford a suitable new stadium, while federal authorities were unwilling to help out.However, when the city of Cologne backed out of hosting 1974 World Cup games, cash set aside for that project was switched to Dortmund, albeit still with a tight budget.Most read in FootballJurgen Klopp famously managed at the Westfalenstadion from 2008-2015Credit: PAThe club officially moved in on April 2 1974.But having been relegated two years earlier, they were the only German second tier side to hold World Cup ties, before returning to the Bundesliga in 1976.Five things you didn’t know about Jadon SanchoAnd with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp being Dortmund’s most feted ex-manager, it’s fitting that the Reds took part in arguably Westfalenstadion’s greatest ever club match.Gerard Houllier’s team beat Alaves 5-4 via an extra-time GOLDEN GOAL in the Uefa Cup final 23 years ago.The stadium has of course gradually been improved over the decades.Already Germany’s largest football venue, its league capacity has soared to 81,365.The Westfalenstadion is also the seventh-biggest ground in Europe.And just two top-flight sides in the continent can boast a larger stadium – Barcelona and Real Madrid.Unsurprisingly, The Westfalenstadion also holds the record for average attendance over a season – 80,588 during 2011-12. More

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      Mikel Arteta tells his frustrated bench players to ‘change history’ as Arsenal eye stunning Double to end the season

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      MIKEL ARTETA has told his frustrated bench players: You can make Arsenal history.The Gunners have the chance to briefly leapfrog Liverpool back to the Premier League summit on Wednesday with a win over relegation-battling Luton at the Emirates.Mikel Arteta has urged his substitutes to influence their hunt for trophiesCredit: GettyArteta uses Reiss Nelson as an example after his injury time winner last seasonCredit: GettyBarring Dutch full-back Jurrien Timber, Arteta nearly has a fully fit squad to choose from for the season run-in, competing in the Prem and the Champions League.During Sunday’s goalless draw at the Etihad against Manchester City, Arteta had the luxury of bringing on Thomas Partey, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Takehiro Tomiyasu.Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Eddie Nketiah and Oleksandr Zinchenko were unused, having struggled recently for game time, while Reiss Nelson did not even make the squad.With nine Prem games remaining and potentially five more in Europe should they reach the Champions League final on June 1, Arteta will have to rotate to keep his starters fresh.READ MORE ARSENALAnd the Spaniard has urged his fringe stars to stay physically to be ready to influence the North London club’s hunt for silverware.Considering several changes against the Hatters, Arteta explained: “It’s always that balance, but their obligation and duty is to be prepared to play any minute in any moment.“Look at the example of Reiss. His best moment for Arsenal [scoring in injury time to beat Bournemouth last season], it’s a moment where he played a few minutes and made a huge impact and it’s one of the best days in his life as an Arsenal player.“Nobody remembers if he started or if it was off the bench. There are a lot of examples in world sport where players made the impact.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Sometimes you just need a second to change the history of a football club. You don’t need 100 minutes to play football.“It’s easy to see that it’s a fact. It’s not something that I’m inventing.” Mikel Arteta on Manchester City 0-0 ArsenalDamning data means rustiness is likely: Nketiah and Vieira have no Prem starts and a combined total of 124 minutes on the pitch in 2024.Zinchenko has three starts and 236 minutes of Prem action since the turn of the year, while Smith Rowe has only one start and 112 minutes.Nelson has no starts and 80 Prem minutes under his belt this calendar year, while Smith Rowe, Vieira and Zinchenko have all had injury issues.In an ideal world, Arteta admits he would “love” to have 22 elite players who he can constantly rotate.His old City mentor Pep Guardiola has managed to achieve this in recent seasons, with at least two world class players in each position thanks to their financial power in the transfer market.Arteta said: “I would love that – to have 22 or 20 instead of 18, where we change and one is better than the other. The week after, the other is better than the other one.“That raises the level and for sure you would win more games.”Asked how many transfer windows it would take for Arsenal to do the same, Arteta added: “I don’t know. It depends on how much we have to spend and how good we are at evolving the players we have to get to that level. Obviously the academy is a key thing.”Bukayo Saka is expected to start against Luton despite hobbling off with a muscular injury at City, while Gabriel Martinelli should also feature having overcome a foot issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESTimber, who had ACL surgery back in August, is “not far off”, but Arteta has warned the Holland international will need time with the U23s to get match fit first.Arteta was also asked about his own future, with just 12 months left on his current deal, but he insisted: “A year is a long time in football. I am really happy. The players are happy, the club is happy, no issues.” More