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    Fans just realising the only trophy Harry Kane could lift this season looks exactly like the Arsenal badge

    HARRY KANE’S chances of winning a maiden trophy took another huge dent last night.The England captain, 30, joined Bayern Munich in a £104million deal last August in a bid to break his duck.
    Harry Kane was in Champions League action for Bayern Munich last nightCredit: Alamy
    The 30-year-old cut a dejected figure at the end of his side’s 1-0 defeat to LazioCredit: Getty
    Kane made his debut from the bench in the German Supercup on the day he signed, but couldn’t prevent his new side from losing 3-0 to RB Leipzig.
    He was then rested for both of Bayern’s DFB Pokal matches, with Thomas Tuchel’s men shockingly crashing out at the hands of third-tier Saarbrucken.
    Last Saturday the reigning champions fell five points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen after losing 3-0 to Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten side.
    Kane and Co kicked off their Champions League knockout campaign against Lazio in the Italian capital last night.
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    They were left with much work to do in the second leg by Maurizio Sarri’s men after losing 1-0 courtesy of Ciro Immobile’s penalty after Dayot Upamecano was sent off.
    While Kane’s chances of winning a first team trophy have been left hanging in the balance, the striker is likely to collect another individual accolade.
    He has been on fire in Germany, scoring 24 goals in just 21 Bundesliga appearances.
    The former Tottenham star is seven goals clear of second-placed Serhou Guirassy and looks to set to add another golden boot to the three he won in the Premier League and one at the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
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    Kane has tormented Arsenal down the years, scoring 14 goals against the Gunners.
    So their fans have been enjoying his trophy struggles extending to Germany.
    Harry Kane sets ANOTHER record at Bayern Munich after bagging 24th league goal of the season
    Some eagle-eyed observers have noticed that the Bundesliga’s top scorer trophy appears to resemble a cannon much like the Arsenal badge, to Gunners fans’ glee.
    One wrote on social media: “So, Harry Kane could finish this season as the Bundesliga’s top scorer, but still without a championship trophy to his name…
    “And the funniest part – Have you seen what the award for being top scorer in Germany actually looks like?”
    While a second gushed: “That’s absolutely amazing!”
    Another added: “This is brilliant.”
    Robert Lewandowski clutches the Bundesliga’s top scorer trophyCredit: AFP
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also among those to have won the accoladeCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Kane remains determined to achieve his season goals despite a testing week.
    Speaking to TNT Sports after last night’s game, he said: “Really tough week. I thought the game today in the first half we started well.
    We have to find more energy, confidenceHarry Kane
    “We had some clear chances. One myself, Jamal (Musiala) had one, Josh (Kimmich) had one from the edge of the box.
    “And in these games they’re big moments and we weren’t able to take it in the first half.
    “But the second half was disappointing. We came out with less energy, less confidence. Too many balls given away and ultimately we got punished.
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    “Once you go down to ten men it’s always difficult to find a way back into the game but I think for us now we have to find it amongst ourselves. We have to find more energy, confidence.
    “We’re still in the race for the Bundesliga, still in this tie and they come to our stadium in a few weeks so we have to keep fighting and look forward and try to turn our momentum around.” More

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    Fans convinced Harry Kane’s ‘trophy curse is real’ as Bayern Munich fall to shock Champions League defeat

    HARRY KANE is on course to go trophyless again after Ciro Immobile heaped more misery on ten-man Bayern Munich after Dayot Upamecano was sent.Immobile’s ice-cool spotkick on 69 minutes to made it four Champions League goals for the Italia striker. 
    Harry Kane saw Bayern Munich lose 1-0 to LazioCredit: Rex
    Kane is facing down another trophyless seasonCredit: Rex
    The game changed when Dayot Upamecano was sent off for this challengeCredit: AFP
    Upamecano was subsequently given his marching ordersCredit: Reuters
    Ciro Immobile converted from the spotCredit: Getty

    The penalty was awarded after France centre-back Upamecano lunged in wildly and landed on Gustav Isaksen’s ankle in the box. 
    Thomas Tuchel is clearly feeling the heat, with cameras catching the ex-Chelsea boss with his head in his hands at the Stadio Olimpico. 
    Kane joined the club from Tottenham in a club-record deal in the summer, setting his sights on a first-major trophy. 
    But it feels like after eight months at the club he has already turned them into the toothless North Londoners. 
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    Before he arrived at Bayern they had won the Bundesliga 11-years on the spin before but are in second place in the table, five points behind Bayer Leverkusen. 
    Kane saw also Bayern lose the DFL Supercup at the start of the season before crashing out of the DFB-Pokal in the second round in November.
    And a bleak performance for Tuchel’s side, who failed to have a shot on target in the first-half of the Champions League for the first time this season, has left fans convinced Kane is “cursed”.
    The last time that happened was against Manchester City last April.
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    It was also the first time they have lost the first leg of a Champions League last-16 game for the first time in 11 seasons.
    Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Harry Kane trophy curse real.”
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    A second said: “Kane trophy curse is actually real.”
    Another said: “Harry Kane came to win trophies at Bayern Munich but right now the trophy wants to win him.”
    A fourth added: “I blame Kane. He is jinxed, the man can’t win a trophy.”
    The two best chances of the opening half were thanks to ex-Spurs striker Kane with a close-range shot he would have normally gobbled up. 
    Later on Jamal Musiala fired over the bar after latching onto the end of a pretty passing sequence. 
    Tuchel cut an animated figure on the touchline and no doubt gave his players a tongue-lashing at the break. 
    But it was Lazio who emerged from the restart with a fire in their bellies. 
    They should have been ahead when a lofted ball floated from Luis Alberto to Isaksen who was one on one with Manuel Neuer. 
    Here’s how the two teams fared
    Bayern dominated most of the game but failed to land any punches
    Kane dropped very deep to try and get involved in play
    Kane had a limited impact on the game
    He had the time to gather his footing but his shot was saved by an outstretched leg from the German shot-stopper 
    Kane headed over from 14 yards out, but in fairness to him the cross was looping high in the first place. 
    Things went from bad to worse for Bayern when Upamecano’s moment of madness sent him packing before Lazio broke the deadlock. 
    Tuchel hauled off Leroy Sane and Thomas Muller for forwards Mathys Tel and Eric Maxim Choup-Moting but they didn’t inject any more oomph into Bayern. 
    Kane blasted a free-kick at Lazio’s wall and that summed up the visitors’ frustrations for the night.
    Speaking after the game, Kane told TNT Sports: “It’s been a really tough week.
    “We started well. We had clear chances, myself, Jamaal had one, Josh had one, but in these games they are big moments and we weren’t able to take them.
    “The second half was disappointing, we came out with less energy and confidence and we gave too many balls away.
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    “Ultimately we got punished. Once you go down to ten men, it’s always difficult to find a way back into the game. We need to find more energy and confidence among ourselves.
    “We’re still in the race for the Bundesliga and still in this tie when they come to our stadium in a few weeks. We have to keep fighting and turn the momentum around.” More

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    Kate Abdo apologises to Thierry Henry live on air after interrupting Arsenal legend who replies ‘you do it all the time’

    KATE ABDO apologised to Thierry Henry after interrupting the Arsenal legend as he revealed what he got for Valentine’s Day.Kate and Henry were joined by Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards for CBS Sports coverage of the Champions League.
    Kate Abdo was joined by Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah RichardsCredit: CBS Sports
    Kate asked the group what they had all done for Valentine’s DayCredit: CBS Sports
    Carragher and Richards had a joke with their answersCredit: CBS Sports
    Before Henry was interrupted while giving his own answerCredit: CBS Sports
    The quartet have become fans favourites and have continued to endear themselves to fans throughout this season’s tournament.
    And while covering Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 clashes of Lazio v Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain v Real Sociedad, the group engaged in a chat about Valentine’s Day.
    After Kate introduced the group for the show’s coverage, Richards asked her whether she had got a Valentine’s Day card.
    She responded by saying she did not get a card but instead got roses from partner “Malik” – with fans convinced the mystery man is Deontay Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott – after Richards joked he had to “do better”.
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    Richards himself revealed he had just got back from a trip to Las Vegas, with Kate then quipping the former Manchester City defender was “shifty”.
    Carragher was then asked whether there was a Mrs Carragher, to which he joked: “There’s a few,” before explaining he had a big family.
    Kate then asked Henry whether he had a special somebody.
    Henry said: “It was a special one for me because I got a happy Valentine’s from my kids this morning.”
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    But before the Frenchman could continue Kate interrupted him by saying: “That’s what you said last year,” sparking laughter from Carragher and Richards and leaving Henry shocked for a moment.
    Henry then added: “No, no, no, three of them, little video message because they were not with me, last year they were with me, but this year was different.”
    Thierry Henry looks stunned and gasps ‘did you just say that live on TV?’ after Richards’ description of club’s fanbase
    The response prompted Carragher into ranting about Henry and Richards’ Valentine’s plans before Kate said: “Why am I the only one? Jamie and me are the only normal people here.”
    Henry responded again by saying: “I got a little video, that was very nice.”
    Kate then added: “Sorry to interrupt you,” before bursting into laughter, with Henry again quipping back: “You do it all the time so I’m used to it.” More

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    CBS Sports presenter Kate Abdo stuns in daring Valentine’s Day outfit live on TV as fans say ‘my favourite’

    KATE ABDO stunned once again as she presented CBS Sports’ coverage of the Champions League.The talented presenter was bringing fans coverage alongside Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry and Micah Richards.
    Kate Abdo stunned in an all-black outfit as she presented CBS Sports’ Champions League coverageCredit: CBS SPORTS
    Kate was alongside Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah RichardsCredit: CBS SPORTS

    The quartet have quickly become fan favourites and viewers regularly tune in to watch their antics.
    Kate looked sharp as she wore an all-black outfit with a Versace tank top for the Valentine’s Day broadcast.
    Fans took to social media in awe of the 42-year-old with one writing: “Happy Valentine’s day to you, you deserve all the Happiness and Love this world have to offer. Stay happy!”
    Another fan even asked Kate to be their Valentine, writing: “Kate Abdo will you be my Valentine?”

    Others expressed their love for the show with one heralding it as: “My favourite Champions League coverage!”
    A second added: “What a show!”
    While a third chimed in by writing: “I love these guys so much!”
    UK fans are often wishing they could watch the CBS coverage with viewers in the USA regularly left in hysterics by the broadcast.
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    Kate and Carragher were both trolled by Jude Bellingham last month while the team are always teasing one and other about their personal lives.
    And those who love to watch will be pleased to learn that Kate won’t be leaving their screens any time soon as she penned a four-year contract with CBS last year.
    Is Kate Abdo dating a famous sports star? Micah Richards appears to let slip name of mystery partner live on CBS Sports More

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    Micah Richards stuns Thierry Henry and Kate Abdo by picking Man Utd wonderkid if Premier League had NFL-style draft

    MICAH RICHARDS stunned everyone when he picked Manchester City’s rising superstar in an NFL style draft. In the midst of Super Bowl fever, Thierry Henry, Kate Abdo and Micah Richards selected their best under-20s Premier League player.
    Micah Richards and Thierry Henry as they make their choice
    Kobbie Mainoo scored the winning goal against Wolves in the 97th minuteCredit: Getty
    After Richards, 35, was reminded that his initial choice, Jude Bellingham, was out of the running as he didn’t play in England, the ex-City player took his time before making an astonishing choice.
    He said: “I’m going with Mainoo, Man United.
    “Start a team like that.”
    Kobbie Mainoo, 18, made his Prem debut just before Christmas and is now established as a key first team player, with Erik ten Hag praising his “incredible” progress.
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    He proved absolutely vital in United’s match against Wolves, where he scored a stunning goal in the 97th minute to secure a 4-3 victory.
    The academy graduate’s talent has even prompted club legend Dimitar Berbatov to compare him to the iconic midfielder Paul Scholes.
    But it was still a bombshell to hear that Richard’s, a former City player, would pick someone from his club’s biggest rivals.
    He wasn’t the only one casting aside his loyalties – United fan Abdo selected a City star herself.
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    She said: “Oh yeah, that’s a nice shout, Micah from Man City! Micah Hamilton.”
    Hamilton turned 20 in November making him not eligible for the draft, but Abdo’s answer stuck all the same.
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    He’s only made two prem appearances, but did get a goal and an assist on his Champions League start when City beat Red Star Belgrade 3-2 in Serbia.
    Thierry Henry’s answer was equally unexpected, although unlike the other two he stuck firmly to his loyalties.
    He said: “I would trust my youth team.
    “Sorry, that is an option also.
    “Why are you upset? Why do you have an academy for?”
    Henry’s experience as a manager shone through with his wise choice.
    The pundit previously was Monaco and Montreal Impact boss and also had a spell as Roberto Martinez’s assistant for Belgium and now coaches France’s Under-21’s. More

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    Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz risks girlfriend’s wrath with shock revelation about former team-mate

    REAL MADRID hot-shot Brahim Diaz is risking the wrath of his girlfriend – by admitting he talks to Theo Hernandez more than her.Diaz produced a moment of solo magic as Madrid beat RB Leipzig 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday.
    Diaz and Luz Mendez together at dinnerCredit: Instagram
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    But Diaz claimed he keeps in more regular contact with Milan’s Theo Hernandez
    Diaz copied Jude Bellingham’s iconic celebration to the delight of his team-mates.
    The English midfielder is out with an ankle problem, after scoring two against Girona in LaLiga on Saturday.
    Diaz explained his close relationship with his AC Milan ex-teammates and the respect he shares for the club he won the 2022 Serie A with.
    But his Spanish partner Luz Mendez will no doubt be keen to know who means more to him.
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    Diaz told Sky Sports: “I will always thank AC Milan. I had three fantastic years there. I am grateful to everyone. I will always follow them, even in the future.
    “I often hear from Theo Hernandez, I talk more with him than with my girlfriend.”
    Diaz has been linked Mendez, who was said to be secretly dating a Real Madrid player.
    But the 24-year-old winger prefers to keep his personal life private.
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    She has stunned fans with over 100 posts on Instagram
    The actress is a year older than Madrid man Diaz
    Mendez and Diaz have reportedly known each other since childhood
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    Despite the spotlight, he has managed to maintain a low-key relationship with Mendez.
    Rumours were that the pair had been seeing each other on-and-off since September last year.
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    Their status has not be confirmed, but Diaz does feature on her story often.
    The 25-year-old, who boasts 35k Instagram followers, and has appeared in numerous TV shows in Spain.
    Passionate about the sun and fashion, she recently stated that she is ‘The luckiest girl alive.’
    Meanwhile, in 19 appearances for Madrid so far this season, Diaz has notched four goals and assisted once.
    He returned there after three years on loan with the Rossoneri.
    Diaz was a product of Malaga and then Manchester City’s youth set-up after moving to the Etihad from Spain at the age of 16. More

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    Champions League 2023-24 prize money revealed with Man City on course to shatter record earnings

    MANCHESTER CITY hope to be the first English club to pocket £100 million in UEFA prize money this season by defending the Champions League crown.And with television cash added in, that could rise to a record-smashing whopping £128 million if they lift the trophy at Wembley on June 1. 
    Man City could pocket over £100m if they win the Champions League again this seasonCredit: AFP
    Pep Guardiola’s men picked up around £85 million from the organisers by lifting the trophy for the first time in Istanbul in June.
    But if they go all the way and retain their title on home soil it will be worth substantially more.
    While UEFA’s cash pot for the competition remains at a total £1.73bn, favourites City are in line to take their biggest share yet.
    And if Guardiola’s men, who have a 100 per cent winning record from their first seven games this season, can be Euro kings for the second year running, the Etihad side will crush the current record European earnings tally.
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    City banked around £12 million from winning all their six group matches against RB Leipzig, Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade.
    The holders will be expected to complete the job against FC Copenhagen next month and book a place in the quarter finals – which is worth a further £9 million.
    There is another £33 million on offer if they can negotiate their way through to the showpiece final for a third time in four years.
    Lifting the trophy is only worth a further £3.8 million – the same amount they earned from winning the Super Cup in August.
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    Man City’s potential UEFA earnings
    City also earn slightly more than £28m from Uefa’s controversial “10 year coefficient table”, as they take the fourth-largest share behind Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
    Television money will boost their earnings till further – meaning they would eclipse the record £116 million Real Madrid picked up when they beat Liverpool to lift the crown in 2022.
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    The maximum City can win is a stunning £128 million.
    But with Manchester United and Newcastle both having been knocked out in the group stage, City are now guaranteed a minimum £127m for going all the way – and that would require them beating Arsenal in the final.
    Midfielder Phil Foden believes the holders have the squad to become the first team since Real Madrid to defend their crown.
    He said: “I look around the changing room and still see the determination and hunger – so I don’t see why not. We’ve got the squad to do it.” More

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    Uefa set for major rule change amid fears both Man Utd and City will NOT be able to play in Europe

    MANCHESTER rivals United and City will both be allowed to play in Europe next season – as Uefa is rewriting its multi-club ownership rules.Current Uefa regulations state that no individual or entity “may have control or influence over more than one club participating in a Uefa competition”.
    Uefa is set to change its rules on multi-club ownershipCredit: Reuters
    Pep Guardiola’s side are the figurehead of the City Football Group, which includes shock La Liga contenders Girona.
    Newly confirmed United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group also own Nice, who are second in France’s Ligue Un.
    Current rules are based on defending the “integrity” of competitions, so that clubs under common ownership cannot manipulate results to the benefit of one or the other.
    But Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis confirmed Europe’s top brass are actively discussing a rules revamp for next season that would give both City and United the green light come what may – and access to £100m-plus in potential prize money.
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    Theodoridis said: “It’s a difficult issue and there are continuous discussions, with club representatives and with European Club Association representatives as well.
    “We have to decide what we must do moving down the line because there is a change in our competitions.
    “There are some clarifications to be done on the rules because now there will be no feeding between the competitions, where clubs can drop down from the Champions League to the Europa League, for example.
    “Right now, because of the feeding system, there is an even bigger issue.
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    “So we are trying to look at that and at the same time to speak to the clubs.
    “Soon we will be coming up with the changes and you will be informed – because we have to adapt to the post-24 format as well.”
    Under the current regulations, United would have to finish higher in the Prem than Nice did in France to be allowed to play in the Champions League, with the French side then not being allowed in any competition.
    If they finished lower in the Prem, United could only play in Europe if they qualified directly for a specific competition – by their final league position or winning the FA Cup.
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    Even if Girona stay second in Spain – they are five points ahead of third-placed Barcelona – City would be sure of taking part in the competition next season by retaining the trophy or winning the Prem for a record fourth year running.
    But the proposed changes – expected to be confirmed at the next meeting of Uefa’s ruling executive committee in Dublin in May – give United a potential £100m carrot for creeping into the top four.
    And that would even be available for a fifth place finish if English teams progress deep in Europe to take one of the two extra Champions League slots in the expanded 36-team competition for the best performing nations each season. More