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      I’ve been in the Premier League for two years, won almost every trophy in football and had Aguero ask for my shirt

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      JULIAN ALVAREZ only turned 24 a couple of months ago . . . yet he has already won the lot.Last season the forward helped Manchester City win the Treble — and has since added the Super Cup and Club World Cup.Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez has already won everythingCredit: GettyAlvarez was part of Man City’s Treble-winning team last seasonCredit: AFPMan City legend Sergio Aguero has requested Alvarez’s shirtCredit: GettyAnd in the midst of all that, Alvarez was part of the Argentina side that lifted the World Cup in December 2022, adding to the Copa America they won a year earlier.His medal collection will already be envied by footballers past and present, all over the world, and he has only been a professional player for a few years.So the only thing left for the Etihad hero to do now is . . . try to win them all again.And with plenty of years left in his career, the former River Plate star sees no reason why he cannot do it.Read More on FootballAhead of Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace, Alvarez said: “There’s been  a lot of trophies in a short amount of time — but I want to keep growing as a player and  person.“And why not win all the same titles again?“It’s a lot of titles, yes, but I just want to keep doing it.“I will keep training and will keep working for the fans so we can get more pleasure out of winning.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFor now, the gongs he has won are split between Manchester and South America but one day he will put them all together.Smiling, he explained: “Some are in Argentina and some are here with me in the UK.Animated Pep Guardiola berates Jack Grealish at full-time after Man City are frustrated by Arsenal in title showdown “The World Cup one is in Argentina — in a special cabinet.”One person who will certainly be envious of his glittering collection is City’s 260-goal all-time record scorer Sergio Aguero.His fellow Argentine has an impressive array of silverware from an unforgettable decade of success at the Etihad from 2011 until 2021.But the World Cup and Champions League always eluded him.Alvarez has always been in awe of Aguero and sought his advice when the opportunity to sign for Pep Guardiola’s side first arose in 2021.But, recently, Aguero reached out to him for a signed City shirt to give to a good cause.Alvarez, who finally joined City in the summer of 2022 for £14million from River Plate, said: “Kun [Aguero] and I talk a lot — maybe not as much as we used to as he’s outside of football.“He’s doing a lot of streaming now. But we talk when we can.Aguero asked for Alvarez’s signed shirt“Before I moved here I asked him for advice, yes — what to do in Manchester, how is the city.“I used to watch him as a kid, the same as I watched Messi. He’s always been an example for me but especially now I play for City.”The two countrymen missed each other at the Etihad by just 12 months so never got the chance to play up front together.Instead, Alvarez shares striking duties with Erling Haaland, who will surely break Aguero’s records if he stays at the Etihad for the long term.Alvarez dismissed suggestions that he and the Norwegian cannot work together as a pair and insists they can be a formidable duo.He said: “It’s a pleasure to play with him always. We have shown we can play together and give a lot to the team when we do.Alvarez can play with Haaland“I’m used to playing with other strikers — ever since I was a child I have always shared the forward roles with other guys.“But we have demonstrated that we can play together to help the team. We try to work together and I have the feeling we can do it.”Alvarez has generally been in Haaland’s shadow since they arrived at the Etihad almost two years ago.Yet just as he did in the Treble-winning campaign, the Argentine has made a big contribution, scoring 16 times already this term.He said: “I’ve played more this  season — the first year I had to be more patient.  “I’ve played in different positions,  as a nine or ten. But I’m happy to be playing a lot more. It depends, I can adapt to both nine or ten but I would  say that I prefer playing as a nine.“Players here need to be able to adapt to what the manager says and sometimes it can be a bit confusing changing a lot. But you just have to adapt.”Alvarez’s nicknameAlvarez has certainly adapted to life in England and has even brought his boyhood nickname with him to the Premier League.He was dubbed La Arana — the Spider — as a  young player because he looked like he had many legs, such was the speed he moved at. So it makes him smile when it is used as his name is announced after a goal when he is a sub at the Etihad.His ‘Spider’ goal celebration has also been seen regularly by City fans over the past couple of seasons.Alvarez, whose side need maximum points  at Palace to keep the title heat on rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, said: “It was out of nowhere.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were playing with my brothers and friends. One day they called me Arana — Spider — and now it sticks.“City asked if I wanted to hear that. I said I’d rather it be in Spanish as Arana is my nickname, rather than Spider. I love that I’m still called it.”Alvarez continues to shine at Man City despite playing behind Erling Haaland More

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      Man Utd have only made TWO mistakes leading to goals this season despite defensive woes – as worst culprits revealed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have only made two serious mistakes this season despite a turbulent campaign under Erik ten Hag.United have tumbled to sixth place in the Premier League table with a whopping 11 points separating them from the top four and nine adrift of fifth place, which could lead to Champions League qualification.Manchester United are among the least error-prone Premier League teamsCredit: GettyOnly two mistakes led to goals against Man Utd throughout the seasonCredit: GettyArsenal committed 14 mistakes, six of which led to goalsCredit: GettyChelsea are the second most error-prone team of the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyBrighton have committed the most errors in the Premier League this seasonFans have been left frustrated with another disappointing campaign from the Red Devils that has seen them concede 44 goals in 30 Prem matches due to a calamitous defence.Some have even called for Ten Hag to be sacked after minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over sporting operations.However, findings from Opta prove that the Manchester giants are actually among the least error-prone clubs in the English top flight.In fact, United have only committed a total of eight mistakes which have led to shots and goals from the opposition.Read More on Man UtdAnd only two of them actually resulted to a goal specifically all season.The first critical error took place on December 23 during a 2-0 loss to West Ham at the London Stadium.That was when Kobbie Mainoo gave the ball away to Mohammed Kudus who went on to hit the back of the net and seal the win for David Moyes’ side.Then Sofyan Amrabat’s gaffe contributed to Erling Haaland’s goal which capped off a 3-1 win for Manchester City at the Etihad on March 3.Most read in FootballOnly West Ham and Crystal Palace, who have committed the fewest errors so far this season, have done better than United.However, Brighton top the dreaded table with 18 mistakes, eight of which led to goals.Raging Roy Keane once told forgotten Man Utd star ‘you’ll never make it.. you’ll be playing pub league’ in scathing rantChelsea and Tottenham follow with the same total amount but have conceded fewer times than the Seagulls.Relegation strugglers Sheffield United and Luton Town complete the top five.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBurnley have committed 15 mistakes with Arsenal, Newcastle and Brentford behind them as they produced six errors that led to goals.Wolves complete the top 10 with Fulham, Bournemouth and high-fliers Liverpool as well as City behind them.Nottingham Forest, Everton and Aston Villa have fared just a little worse than United.Ten Hag has full faith in the project currently taking place at Old Trafford and is adamant he will still be United manager next season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Dutchman told Sky Sports: “I don’t have any doubts. “I’m just focusing on my job, focusing on this process, in this project. I really love to be here, I’m enjoying it. For me it’s a challenge.” More

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      Kate Abdo’s boxing trainer boyfriend Malik Scott ‘totally fine’ with Thierry Henry and admits he ‘loves their chemistry’

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      KATE ABDO’S boyfriend Malik Scott insists he is not at all insecure about his partner’s relationship with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.Abdo, 42, and Henry, 46, work together on CBS Sports and cover the Champions League alongside Liverpool great Jamie Carragher and ex-Manchester City star Micah Richards.Kate Abdo’s boyfriend Malik Scott doesn’t mind her relationship with Thierry HenryCredit: GettyScott is “crazy in love” with Abdo and praises her work with Arsenal legend HenryCredit: Kate Abdo/InstagramThe TV quartet are well known for their banter as they often take friendly swipes at each other while live on studio.The British presenter and the Arsenal record goalscorer have shown some good chemistry on set in the last three years.And Scott, 43, who is “crazy in love” and “plans on marrying” Abdo, is not at all intimidated by that and even praises his girlfriend’s chemistry with the France great.The boxing trainer insists that as long the journalist is “not disrespected or irritated” then he has no issue.Read More on FootballThat is why the American spoke out on Abdo’s recent awkward exchange with Carragher, who launched a misfiring joke about her “loyalty” to him, and even suggested he would “show up in a physical manner so we can talk like men”.Scott told Inclave Casino: “Some people might say what do you think about the jokes about Kate and Thierry? All of that stuff is all good man, I’ve never been a man who has been insecure in a relationship. “I don’t know how to go about jealousy and things of that nature. I enjoy the show, the relationships, the love, and whatever makes the chemistry pop for the show, as long as Kate is not disrespected or irritated.“I don’t have insecurities or jealousy when someone I’m seeing is working around other men, as long as she’s being respectful and she’s being respected, I’m totally fine with it. Most read in Football”None of this is a problem until she’s upset or irritated. I love the show, I love the chemistry they all have, I love the antics and it’s a beautiful thing. “It’s a very special show and it has a very special girl on there and she’s about to be Mrs Scott soon.Glam life of footie pundit Kate Abdo dubbed ‘new Laura Woods’ as fans hail response to odd Carragher gaffe about boyfriend Malik Scott “I want everyone to know that Kate is my lady, I want everyone to know that Kate is my future wife, I want everyone to know that I’m crazy in love with her. “This is someone I’ve had feelings for like no one else in my life, I’m 43 years old so that says a lot. I’ve been in a few relationships in my life, but this one is very, very different. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”It’s made me better in a lot of areas of my life. It has made me a lot more structured. I’m still working on other things in my life. “But when you’re dealing with a partner who wants better for you and she leads by example, it makes you want to be better in areas where you need to improve. And that’s what I admire most about Kate.“She’s extremely selfless, she’s the hardest worker in show business, and it’s a relationship I’m proud of. And this being in love with her thing, I would say this is the first time I’ve been in love. “I never thought the love thing existed until I felt these feelings I have for Kate. “Her happiness is my number one priority, her smile is the world to me, I’ve never watched boxing or filmed studied with my woman next to me – I love it when Kate is right next to me when I’m film studying, that’s a very serious thing for me.” More

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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