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      Jordan Henderson tipped for emotional return to former club with Ajax future uncertain after title collapse

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      JORDAN HENDERSON could make a big return to the Premier League this summer.Henderson, 34, left English football in 2023 following 12 spectacular years at Liverpool that saw him win every major honour.Ajax star Jordan Henderson could be set for a big return to the Premier LeagueSunderland are keen to re-sign Henderson during the summer transfer windowHenderson spent 13 years at Sunderland before joining LiverpoolThe midfielder joined the group of elite names that made the leap to Saudi Arabia with the promise of a big payday.The England international reunited with fellow Anfield hero Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.However, Henderson’s stint in the Saudi Pro League barely lasted six months as he ripped up his £700,000-a-week deal with the Middle Eastern club.That led the versatile midfielder back to Europe as he signed with Ajax in January 2024.Read More on FootballThat in turn caused a career resurgence that saw him getting called back up to the England squad by new manager Thomas Tuchel.The Liverpool hero also helped Ajax return to the Champions League ahead of next season despite a spectacular title collapse that saw the Dutch giants losing the Eredivisie from their grasp to rivals PSV Eindhoven on the final day of the season.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Henderson will decide his future this month with his current contract running out next year.The defensive midfielder has the option to trigger an additional year at Ajax but has received interest from the Premier League and Serie A. Most read in FootballAnd that could lead him to an emotional return to former club Sunderland.According to The Guardian, the newly-promoted Black Cats are believed to be still considering whether to try to re-sign Henderson this summer.The No6 started his career at the club’s academy back in 1998 aged just eight years old.After 10 impressive years within the youth ranks he earned a senior call-up and went on to amass a total of five goals and 10 assists in 79 appearances.Henderson’s impressive performances at the Stadium of Light led to interest from Liverpool, who signed him in 2011. More

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      Chelsea vs Real Betis LIVE SCORE: Conference League final updates as Jackson told he will START in Poland – stream FREE

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      THE final of the Conference League will take place TONIGHT – and it promises to be a thriller.Chelsea face Real Betis in the Wroclaw showpiece as the Blues look to make history by becoming the first club to win all four of the major Uefa club competitions that have existed.The West Londoners will be mixing it with Europe’s elite next term after securing Champions League qualification against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but Enzo Maresca will want to cap off his first season at the helm with a trophy.Betis will be playing in the Europa League one way or another after their LaLiga finish, but in-form Antony and Co would love to secure the Spaniards their first European trophy.Kick-off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 1FREE live stream: discovery+Chelsea XI: team to follow…Real Betis XI: team to follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Real Betis predicted XICedric Bakambu is expected to lead the line as the 34-year-old looks to add to the seven goals he has scored so far this term in the Conference League.Former Tottenham star Giovani Lo Celso is a doubt, but he trained yesterday, so he could be fit enough to start, which would allow Pablo Fornals to go on the left flank.Youssouf Salby is expected to start at right-back due to the injury-stricken Hector Bellerin.Copy linkCopiedMudryk turns up in Chelsea kit to Maresca’s surpriseMykhailo Mudryk is back in a Chelsea kit again after turning up unannounced at the Conference League final.Head coach Enzo Maresca was taken by surprise when informed the troubled Ukrainian winger had popped up in Poland after months in the wilderness.Mudryk is currently suspended from playing after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium while on international duty in November.But it did not stop him making his own way to Wroclaw where he was spotted by fans wearing a club tracksuit in a steakhouse.It’s believed he told them he is here to collect a medal after the final against Real Betis.Maresca appeared caught off guard when it was put to him that the £62million wideman was in town.He said: “To be honest, I just… Is he here or is he coming? He’s here. I’m happy for Misha to be here.”I don’t know, I just said that. I’m happy for Misha to be here.”Banned Mykhailo Mudryk turns up in Chelsea kit unannounced on eve of Conference League final to shock of clubCopy linkCopiedChelsea’s stunning European final historyChelsea have reached seven Uefa finals in their history, winning six of them.The Blues’ first European triumph came in 1971 when they beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a replay of the final to win the Cup Winners’ Cup.Chelsea made it two from two in 1998 as Gianfranco Zola’s famous goal secured a 1-0 win over Stuttgart in the Cup Winners’ Cup final.The Londoners’ perfect run came to an end in 2008 when the Blues lost to Manchester United on penalties in the Champions League final.In 2012, Chelsea defied the odds and lifted their first Champions League trophy by beating Bayern Munich on spot kicks.12 months later, the Blues made it back-to-back European trophies when they defeated Benfica 2-1 in the Europa League final following their early Champions League exit.In 2019, Chelsea added a second Europa League title with an emphatic 4-1 win over London rivals Arsenal in the final.Finally, in 2021, the Blues returned to the top of European football after they beat Manchester City to be crowned Champions League winners for the second time.Copy linkCopiedChelsea predicted XINicolas Jackson is expected to slot straight back in up top after missing the last two Premier League games of the season due to suspension.That will allow Pedro Neto to play in his more natural position out wide.With Romeo Lavia ineligible, Moises Caicedo will likely play in a midfield two with Enzo Fernandez, with Reece James coming in at right-back.Maresca could opt to start the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyrique George after impressing in both legs of the semi-final.Copy linkCopiedCrazy scenesSome more scenes from the street brawl in Poland.Copy linkCopiedStreet battleViolence has broken out again on the streets of Poland between Chelsea and Real Betis fans in ugly scenes ahead of their Conference League final tonight.Supporters were seen hurling punches and kicks, launching bottles and smoke grenades near the fanzone in Wroclaw with riot police forced to defuse the violence.he ugly scenes continues after similar violence yesterday when tear gas was needed to separate the hostile fans.Betis fans are looking forward to their first ever major European final, with a red hot atmosphere in Poland boiling over into a full on brawl this afternoon.Supermarket shelves are running dry of beer and pubs are out of pint glasses as fans soak in the atmosphere ahead of the final.And six hours before kickoff tonight, the violence spilled over when fans started kicking and throwing flares into each other’s camps.Copy linkCopiedAtmosphere buildingCredit: ReutersCredit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEyes on the prizeReal Betis and Chelsea will contest tonight’s final, already knowing their European fates are sealed.The Blues will be playing Champions League football next season after they secured a top-five finish in the Premier League, while the Spaniards have already qualified for the Europa League with a 6th placed finish in LaLiga.This means the two sides are just playing for the right to win a European trophy – and the cash prize that comes with it…Uefa have revealed that the winners of this year’s Conference League will take home a staggering £5.9million.While the runners-up are set to pocket approximately £3.37m.Here is the full breakdown:Winner: £5.90mRunner-up: £3.37mSemi-finalists: £2.11mQuarter-finalists: £1.10mRound of 16: £674,135Reaching knockout round play-off: £168,533League-phase wins: £337,067League-phase draws: £112,075Copy linkCopiedEXCLUSIVE: Jackson to STARTNicolas Jackson has been told he will start for Chelsea in tonight’s Conference League Final.The striker is desperate to make amends for getting sent off at Newcastle 17 days ago.He is currently serving a three-match domestic ban and will miss the first game of the next Premier League season as a result.But Blues boss Enzo Maresca has been making his final team selection ahead of this evening’s clash with Real Betis and Jackson is in.Maresca told the media last night that Jackson is ‘in debt’ to his team mate’s over his red card.Jackson was sent off in the first half at St.James’ Park and ten man Chelsea went down 2-0 leaving their Champions League hopes on a knifedge.But they recovered in his absence to seal a top four finish with Sunday’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest.Copy linkCopiedMoment Chelsea and Real Betis fans CLASH in PolandViolence has broken out again on the streets of Poland between Chelsea and Real Betis fans in ugly scenes ahead of their Conference League final tonight.Supporters were seen hurling punches, kicking, launching bottles and smoke grenades near the fanzone in Wroclaw, with riot police forced to defuse the violence.Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference finalCopy linkCopiedRain coming down in WroclawCredit: PACredit: PACopy linkCopiedMaresca ahead of Conference League finalEnzo Maresca discussed the importance of coming home with the trophy ahead of tonight’s showpiece, he said “The message over the last 48 hours has been, ‘We did something important [qualifying for the Champions League], but if we want to confirm that we are becoming an important club again, we need to show the desire to win the game and the trophy’.“So it’s job done [in the Premier League], fantastic, and we’re happy. But tomorrow is a different game, a final, and we want to win at any cost.“Every day we have something to prove, no doubt. What we have done [qualifying for the Champions League] is done. Now we have to prove ourselves again tomorrow.“We have played many games this season in this competition, now we have just one more.“For sure, for me personally [there is something to prove], but the message to the players is exactly same. Every day is a chance to improve, and we want to compete for titles.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedReal dealAntony has enjoyed a stunning spell at Real Betis since joining the LaLiga outfit on loan from Manchester United at the end of January.The Brazilian winger has been a revelation in Spain and played an instrumental part in Betis’ run to the Conference League final. In the 25 matches Antony has featured in since his arrival from Manchester, the Spanish side have won 13, drawn eight and lost just four.The 25-year-old has scored nine goals and made five assists, including scoring in both legs of Betis’ stunning Conference League semi-final win over Fiorentina.The Spanish side want to keep Antony at the club on a permanent basis, with Man Utd reportedly wanting around £30-£35m this summer.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedReal Betis team newsFormer Arsenal star Hector Bellerin is expected to miss tonight’s final after he picked up a hamstring injury in the semi-finals second leg with Fiorentina.Marc Roca, Diego Llorente and Chimy Avila are also confirmed absentees.Former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is a doubt due to muscle discomfort, but the Argentine did train yesterday.Youssouf Sabaly and Johnny Cardoso are available after shaking off minor knocks.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedChelsea fans making themselves heard in WroclawCredit: AFPCredit: PACredit: PACopy linkCopiedChelsea team news Chelsea are boosted by the return of striker Nicolas Jackson after he missed the last two games of the Premier League season due to suspension.Maresca has had more positive news in the forward areas with Christopher Nkunku back from a knock.Romeo Lavia will be forced to miss out as Chelsea are unable to add him to their squad list for tonight’s final.Elsewhere, Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman and Mykhaylo Mudryk are all unavailable.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGood afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the Conference League final!Chelsea and Real Betis go head-to-head in tonight’s showpiece in Wroclaw.The Blues have already secured their spot in the Champions League next season, so there is less riding on this final than there could have been if the West London outfit lost to Nottingham Forest on Sunday and results elsewhere went against them.That said, Enzo Maresca’s side can make history this evening by becoming the first side to win all four of the major Uefa club competitions that have existed.Meanwhile, Premier League winner Manuel Pellegrini is looking to lead Real Betis to the first European trophy in the club’s history.Like Chelsea, Betis’ European fate has already been sealed regardless of tonight’s result, as they finished 6th in LaLiga, which has already qualified them for next season’s Europa League.Copy linkCopied More

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      Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference final

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      VIOLENCE has broken out again on the streets of Poland between Chelsea and Real Betis fans in ugly scenes ahead of their Conference League final tonight.Supporters were seen hurling punches and kicks, launching bottles and smoke grenades near the fanzone in Wroclaw with riot police forced to defuse the violence.Fans clash in ugly scenes in Poland ahead of the Europa Conference FinalCredit: AFPSupporters were seen hurling punches, kicking, launching bottles and smoke grenadesCredit: AFPFans hurled flares at each other on the streetSome officers were deployed with guns to quell the violenceCredit: ReutersTables and chairs were thrown to the floorCredit: EPAThe ugly scenes continues after similar violence yesterday when tear gas was needed to separate the hostile fans. One Spaniard was arrested and police are attempting to identify more fans involved in a scuffle last night.Betis fans are looking forward to their first ever major European final, with tensions boiling over into a full on brawl this afternoon.Supermarket shelves are running dry of beer and pubs are out of pint glasses as fans soak up the atmosphere ahead of the final.And six hours before kickoff tonight, the violence spilled over when fans started kicking and throwing flares into each other’s camps.Soon, chairs were hurtling through the air as the fans squared up to each other before police, some armed with guns, came to separate them.The fans were already brawling on the streets a full 24 hours before the match as riot police with tear gas were deployed yesterday to force the warring supporters apart.Footage posted to social media showed a series of fierce clashes in cobbled streets outside the city’s bars and restaurants.Most read in FootballShocking moment Chelsea fans brawl & throw glasses as violence erupts in Poland ahead of Conference League finalIn one clip, a group of around five young men were seen smashing chairs and hurling glasses at another group sheltering in the canopy of a building.In the window is a large blue flag which reads: “London only”, indicating it could be a spot designated for Chelsea fans.Another clip from elsewhere shows two sides lobbing missiles at one another from the cover of two different pubs.More than 70,000 fans are expected to descend on the picturesque town of Wroclaw to watch The Blues try to take the title tonight.Last week’s Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur was also marred by clashes between supporters ahead of the match in Bilbao.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said: “Zero tolerance for violence on our streets!”I thank the police for their decisive actions against the hooligans in Chelsea and Betis shirts in Wroclaw. We warn you: if necessary, the police will be even more ruthless today!”Fans of the London side will be hoping their team isn’t distracted by the drama – with the honour of being the first-ever club to win all three European titles on the line.Chelsea booked their place by defeating Swedish side Djurgardens IF 5-1 on aggregate earlier this month.Earlier, head coach Enzo Maresca got a shock when his banned winger Mykhailo Mudryk arrived in the city unannounced – and wearing a Chelsea kit.Mudryk is currently suspended from playing after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium while on international duty in November.Chelsea fans have descended in the Polish city for the European finalCredit: ReutersChairs were hurling through the skyOne man was seen getting attacked with blood pouring down his faceCredit: AFPThe fans were already brawling on the streets a full 24 hours before the matchCredit: ReutersPolice positioned themselves between the hostile fansCredit: AFPAfter missiles were launched into the neighbouring camps, Polish police managed to separate the fansCredit: ReutersThe ugly scenes continues after similar violence yesterday when tear gas was needed to separate the hostile fansCredit: ReutersTables were launched in the violent scenes hours before the matchCredit: ReutersMen were seen fleeing as police came armed with truncheonsCredit: AFPThe streets were strewn with litter and chairsA fan poses in front of police amid the high tensionsCredit: ReutersThe Blues will be playing Champions League football next season after they secured a top-five finish in the Premier League.While the Spaniards have already qualified for the Europa League with a 6th placed finish in LaLiga.This means the two sides are just playing for the right to win a European trophy – and the cash prize that comes with it.Read More on The SunUefa have revealed that the winners of this year’s Conference League will take home a staggering £5.9million.While the runners-up are set to pocket approximately £3.37m.A chair can be seen flying through the airCredit: XGroups lobbed missiles at each other across the squareCredit: x
      Police spray jets of tear gas at Chelsea fansCredit: APChelsea fans were out in force on Tuesday nightCredit: APHEDGE YOUR BET-S Chelsea vs Real Betis tale of the tape: How Conference League finalists compareCHELSEA are on the brink of history as they prepare to take on Real Betis in the Conference League final.Enzo Maresca will clash with “football dad” and former boss Manuel Pellegrini when the two sides collide in Warsaw on Wednesday.And a win for Chelsea will see them become the first-ever team to win all three major European competitions.They face a tough test in Betis though, with the Spanish side boasting strong names including Isco, Antony and Gio Lo Celso.Here, SunSport compares the two sides for what is sure to be a lively clash in Poland.But just who will come out on top?SEASON SUCCESSWith both sides reaching the Conference League final, neither side can say they have fallen short in Europe.Yet they have also enjoyed good club campaigns – to an extent.Chelsea at one stage looked on course to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title before a dramatic Christmas collapse.The Blues then faced a tough challenge to qualify for the Champions League.They eventually sealed a return to Europe’s top table on Sunday with victory over fellow challengers Nottingham Forest.And although they ultimately achieved their season goal, Chelsea undoubtedly made a meal out of it.As for Betis, they too enjoyed mixed fortunes in LaLiga.They ended up finishing sixth, sealing their place in next season’s Europa League regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s final.However, fifth place in Spain would have been enough for Champions League football.Betis ended up finishing 10 points behind Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, who took the last two spots.And although Europa League qualification will be welcomed by them, they surely would have loved to have been in the Champions League instead.BEST PLAYERSChelsea’s squad is worth a whole £627MILLION MORE than Betis’ – but there is always one man who stands head and shoulders above his teammates.Despite not enjoying the same success as he did in the 2023/24 campaign, Cole Palmer undoubtedly remains Chelsea’s star player and danger man.The midfielder has taken up a deeper role in a more central position under Maresca, allowing him to dictate more of the play.Palmer’s brilliant technique and vision means he is often the one keeping Chelsea ticking over in possession as teammates look to make darting runs through the lines.And if the Blues are to take control on Wednesday, he will need to be at his mercurial best once again – regardless of whether he scores or assists in the process.As for Betis, they have been inspired in the second half of the season by a Premier League misfit.Brazilian winger Antony, on loan from Manchester United, has been nothing short of a revelation since moving to Spain.He has a smile on his face again after hitting the goal regularly, with fans also showing their appreciation and adoration.A permanent transfer now looks on the cards this summer.And Antony will be desperate to reward the faith shown by Betis by guiding them to glory in Warsaw.TACTICSChelsea have adopted a possession-based style since Maresca’s arrival last summer, with players instructed to keep the ball moving as they inch their way forward to goal.Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 system, the Blues quickly become a fluid unit as players drift out of their regular positions to line up in a 3-2-4-1 shape.Whether it has been a raging success is up for debate, with Chelsea sometimes left exposed at the back while also failing to get enough players into the box to finish off a move.But Maresca’s system has built some team unity, with his unquestionable plan on the pitch making the Blues a strong cohesive force when it finally clicks.MANAGERSChelsea’s Italian gaffer Enzo Maresca has one of the safest seats in football – and that was before he sealed a top four finish on Sunday.The ex-Leicester man was brought in to Stamford Bridge to provide stability while also moulding Chelsea’s youngsters into English football’s next great team.Despite reservations over his playing style, fans appear to have finally taken to Maresca thanks to his calm approach and desire to win.The former Man City coach isn’t the most experienced either.But with time on his side, a trophy win in his debut season will only strengthen his position in the Chelsea hot seat.As for Manuel Pellegrini, he has now been at Betis for nearly five years.Having enjoyed most of his success at Man City, the Chilean has helped build Betis into plucky underdogs.Pellegrini broke their trophy curse by guiding them to the 2022 Copa del Rey.And he remains a wildly popular figure with fans and players alike, having resurrected the careers of fallen men like Isco and Antony.Pellegrini also knows Chelsea boss Maresca well, having coached him at Malaga before appointing him as assistant boss at West Ham.And it should be a fascinating battle between the pair, with Maresca warmly branding Pellegrini his “football father.” More

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      Martin Zubimendi set for Arsenal medical ahead of £51m transfer as Gunners beat Real Madrid to Real Sociedad midfielder

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      MARTIN ZUBIMENDI will complete a medical in the coming days ahead of his £51m switch to Arsenal.The Real Sociedad midfielder has been in advanced talks with the Gunners since January and is on the verge of becoming Mikel Arteta’s first capture of the summer.Martin Zubimendi is on course to join Arsenal in a £51million dealCredit: GETTYThe 26-year-old is set to undergo a medical with the north Londoners in the coming daysCredit: GETTYPersonal terms and relevant documents have already been signed and agreed, as well as the payment structure around the Spaniard’s £51m release clause.Senior Arsenal figures expect the deal to be completed swiftly as they also target landing a striker – with Sporting Lisbon’s £60m-valued Viktor Gyokeres a top priority.Once Zubmendi, 26, passes his medical, he will be announced as an Arsenal player.He will provide depth to a midfield that has already lost veteran Jorginho, who is heading to Brazilian outfit Flamengo on a free transfer with his Emirates deal expiring next month.READ MORE ON ARSENALThomas Partey is also out of contract, but the club are in talks to extend his stay after an impressive campaign, while Albert Sambi Lokonga – who spent last season on loan at Sevilla – will see a one-year extension triggered on his contract.Zubimendi is highly rated by Arteta, who convinced the Euro 2024 winner of the North London project after he turned down a switch to Arne Slot’s Liverpool last summer.It is the start of a huge summer of incomings for Arsenal as they prepare to splash around £200m on new talent to fire them to Premier League glory next term.Swedish striker Gyokeres, 26, is viewed as an ideal attacking signing following a two-year stint in Portugal that has seen him bag 97 goals in 102 appearances in all competitions, and is favoured by sporting director Andrea Berta.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSporting vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha revealed this week: “He has three more years on his contract. At the moment there are no offers.“We want to keep the best players and retain talent. We want to continue to be champions, have competitive teams and fight on all fronts.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’“But the market is not under our control, we are always dependent.”Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, 21 – valued between £60m and £70m – is also on Arsenal’s radar, having attempted to sign the Slovenian last summer and in the winter window.There is still a chance Arteta could make a move for Sesko, but SunSport understands there is a concern over his age and experience at the top level, needing the player to hit the ground running in the Prem.Chelsea are also interested in Sesko as they prepare to sign a No.9 this summer too.Arsenal are also considering moves for £50m-rated Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, 22, as well as £25m-valued Espanyol back-up keeper Joan Garcia, 24. More

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      Rio Ferdinand QUITTING TNT Sports after 10 years as Man Utd icon releases emotional statement about ‘difficult decision’

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      RIO Ferdinand has announced he is quitting his pundit role with TNT Sports.Former Manchester United and England defender Ferdinand, 46, has been one of the faces of the channel since joining its predecessor BT Sport in 2015.Rio Ferdinand has announced he’s quitting TNT Sports after ten yearsFerdinand has become a popular pundit since ending his playing career in 2015Ferdinand has acted as both a pundit and co-commentator for domestic and European football, including last week’s Europa League Final between United and Spurs in Bilbao.But the ex-Three Lions skipper will step away from the TNT microphone after Saturday’s Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG in Munich.Ferdinand explained in a lengthy social media post: “After 10 incredible years. I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final.“Since retiring from football it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sports and TNT Sports.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen, but has been essential to our success. “To everyone at TNT Sports, we have a brilliant end to the season to look forward to on Saturday, and for now all focus will be on what I think could go down as one of the great European finals.“The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever, and I look forward to following its progress and the exciting future that lies ahead. “Lastly, I would like to thank my family and my management company New Era for their ongoing support. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford“They have supported me to travel all over the Europe following the best players and watching the best matches. For a football fan like me, it’s been a dream come true. “As I turn the page to the next chapter. I carry with me countless memories.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City “I’m excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests.“I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything.”Sources at TNT suggested Ferdinand could return to the channel in the future, whether on a guest or permanent basis and that it was entirely his decision.The decision not to renew his deal allows Ferdinand to concentrate on his own online channels, which have become increasingly popular.Ferdinand was hospitalised after a health scare at the start of the monthFerdinand was recently off work after suffering from a health scare, forcing him to miss Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain.He was hospitalised with a serious virus, which he later called a “crazy illness” that left him vomiting.Ferdinand can now juggle his time better between family life and work commitments.Read More on The SunHe is married to wife Kate, who he shares two biological children with.The couple also raise three kids from Ferdinand’s first marriage to late partner Rebecca, who tragically died from cancer in 2015.Ferdinand is married to former Towie star Kate More

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      Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’

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      THIERRY HENRY has hit out at trophyless Arsenal by comparing them to “the Man Utd that everyone laughs at”.The French striker’s former team finished second in the Premier League for the third season in a row, this time losing out on the title to Liverpool, while the two years prior were against Manchester City.Thierry Henry has said it is right that questions are being asked of Mikel ArtetaCredit: YouTube/The OverlapArteta has not won a trophy in the last five years at ArsenalCredit: GettyHenry compared Arsenal’s nearlymen to ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’Credit: GettyThe Gunners have once again become regular title challengers under Mikel Arteta in the league, while they are also now making deep runs into the latter stages of the Champions League.However, Arsenal’s lack of silverware, domestic or European, under Arteta has led to some criticising the Spanish manager’s time in charge with no tangible success.Indeed, with Tottenham winning the Europa League after 17 years without a trophy, Arsenal now hold the record for the longest run without a trophy among the “Big Six”.Their last silverware – or final appearance – came in Arteta’s first season in charge when he led the club to FA Cup success after taking over from Unai Emery in the 2019/20 season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn that time, Manchester United have struggled for consistency in the league but have been to five finals – two Europa Leagues, two FA Cups and the League Cup – and have won two trophies.And Gunners icon Henry believes it is right that questions are being asked about the club’s lack of success under Arteta after a huge outlay of money on transfers.Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Henry said: “I understand that at the very beginning [for Mikel Arteta] you arrive and it’s not your team, you need at the very least three or four transfer windows to change everything that you want to. “It takes time and you have to give a manager time to be able to implement what he wants to do. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”Now, for the last three years Arsenal have been in a situation where they should have at least brought one cup in or a final. “Manchester United have played in five finals in the last five years, the United that everyone laughs at, whereas for Arsenal in the last three years of building, they’ve not reached a final. Mikel Arteta will be sacked by Christmas if Arsenal are not in top two, warns former Gunners star”So, I do understand when people ask the question, ‘Surely you should compete for a trophy?’ “I’m not saying that I’m disappointed with Arsenal, but it’s normal that people are raising questions now about what the team is doing.”Addressing fans at the Emirates after their final home game of the season – a 1-0 win over Newcastle – Arteta urged fans to continue backing the team so they could make their trophy dream a reality.He said: “We had a dream. It was to be here today or in a week’s time and bring big trophies to you guys. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to do it for many circumstances. “But make sure that chasing a dream doesn’t get blurry and you don’t see what these players, this staff and this football club is doing. And make sure that you chase the dream with enthusiasm and positivity next season.”What I have said before, is we have to start creating our own history here in this stadium. We certainly have started this season. There is much more to come. We have to do it all together. It is not going to be easy.”But this group of players, I am telling you, they have the hunger, they have the quality, they have the talent and we are coming again. We need to reset first…”But before we do that – please – because I know what these players have been through, this staff, this season.”Any other club in this position would finish in a position that you cannot even dream of, so please say thank you to the players, say thank you to the staff and thank you to all of you for your support.”Arsenal have been urged to recruit a top forward or two to finally see them win the Premier League after more than two decades.Read More on The SunReports suggest the Gunners have launched a formal offer of around £62million to land Sporting Lisbon ace Viktor Gyokeres.Other forwards linked to a move to the red half of north London include Benjamin Sesko, Julian Alvarez and Rodrygo. More

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      Betis vs Chelsea: Get a £30 welcome bonus when you stake £10 with Parimatch

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      PARIMATCH have a terrific offer for tonight’s Conference League final between Betis and Chelsea.New punters with the bookmaker can pocket themselves a terrific £30 free bet and bonus bundle*, just for registering and staking a tenner on the European showdown!Betis vs Chelsea: Bet £10 Get £30 welcome bonus HERE*Parimatch new customer offerParimatch £30 welcome bonusVisit the Parimatch website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the Opt In buttonMake a deposit of £10+ into the accountPlace a bet of £10 or more on any football market at odds of Evens (2.00) or greater     You must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £30 free bets and bonuses Get 4 x £5 free bets for set markets and a £10 Slot Bonus for Big Bass SplashBetis vs Chelsea: Bet £10 Get £30 welcome bonus HERE*Claim £30 football free bets and bonusesNew to Parimatch? Get a £30 bonus for Betis vs Chelsea!They’ve made it very simple to claim, too. Firstly, head over to the Parimatch website HERE*.From there, create a brand new account and ensure you opt in to this promotion using the “Opt In” button.Then make a deposit of £10 minimum and stake £10+ on any football market at odds of at least Evens (2.00). This must be done within seven days of opening your account.Once settled – whether you win or lose that first bet – your account will be credited with £30 in free bets and bonuses.These are paid out like so:On settlement of your qualifying bet, you will receive:    £5 Free Bet – Any Football (2.00+)   £5 Free Bet – Any Sport (except horse racing) (2.00+) 48h after settlement, you will also receive:    £5 Free Bet – Any Horse Racing (3.00+)  £5 Free Bet – Any Sport (except horse racing) (2.00+) And a £10 Slots Bonus, which can be used on Big Bass Splash.Betis vs Chelsea: Bet £10 Get £30 welcome bonus HERE*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*18+ New Customers Only. Opt in and bet £10 on football (odds 2.00+) within 7 days. No cash-out. Get 4x£5 Free Bets for set markets and a £10 Slot Bonus for Big Bass Splash, 30x wagering, to withdraw max £250. Rewards expire in 20 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly  More

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      ‘Never fails to deliver’ says fans after Champions League 2025-26 ball LEAKED as adidas use zodiac signs as inspiration

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      FANS declared “never fails to deliver” after adidas unveiled next season’s Champions League ball with a zodiac sign-twist.The German manufacturer is taking charge of the ball for next term’s elite competition once again.Next season’s Champions League ball has been revealedIt looks a lot more colourful than this season’s effortCredit: GettyThis term’s design features various colours printed over an all-white ball to produce an almost rainbow-like effect.But adidas’ new version instead takes a leaf from astrology.According to Footy Headlines, this time the Champions League ball will be white with blue stars patterned all around.Each star is trimmed with gold, while the middle will bear the image of each of the 12 zodiac signs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere is a ram for Aries, a cow for Taurus, twins for Gemini and a crab for Cancer.Continuing on, there is a lion for Leo, a maiden for Virgo, scales for Libra and a scorpion for Scorpio.Finally, there is a centaur for Sagittarius, a goal for Capricorn, a water-bearer for Aquarius, and two fish for Pisces.The eye-catching design is sure to look even more impressive when being knocked around at speed on the pitch.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd fans were certainly loving it as they reacted to the new ball on social media.One said: “UCL balls never fail to deliver.”Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdAnother declared: “Beautiful.”One noted: “Nice.”Another added: “Winning the UCL with this ball will be great.” More