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      Jude Bellingham sends Gareth Southgate message about best England position ahead of Euro 2024

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM really is a man of his word.As a young child, kicking a ball around his hometown Stourbridge, he convinced himself and those around him that, one day, he would grace the grandest stage in European football.Jude Bellingham is close to lifting the Champions League with Real MadridCredit: GettyBellingham made his name at Birmingham as a 16-year-old back in 2019Credit: GettyIt was laughable talk, even for an eye-catching talent that made his Birmingham City senior debut on August 6, 2019 at the age of just 16 years and 38 days.But nearly five years on, that day has come – and no one is laughing – as Real Madrid face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley this weekend.It will come as no surprise that Bellingham – who turns 21 next month – will be the main attraction under the arch come Saturday night, draped in that famous Los Blancos strip.His transformation into a global superstar has been nothing short of frightening, as are his numbers from midfield this season: 23 goals in 41 games in all competitions, with 19 coming in LaLiga.read more footballEngland fans have been left drooling over the prospect of seeing their new hero tearing up the Euros in a similar way this summer over in Germany.Yet for now, all eyes are on a prize that Madrid have lifted a record 14 times in their history.It feels only natural to assume a Midlands lad will soon put his stamp on No15, having already lifted the LaLiga and Super Cup trophies this term.Bellingham said: “It is a game [the Champions League final] I have been dreaming of since I started playing football. I always thought I could reach this level and win trophies.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I probably never realised it would happen so quickly, and probably didn’t realise the potential of my own game when it came to scoring and creating goals.“But, I understand the opportunity and not many people get to play in a game like this. I don’t want to waste a second and I won’t take it for granted. I will enjoy it.“I have been so fortunate in football and in life to have so many good people around me that have always just wanted me to enjoy the game for how it is and play with freedom.“I have always been taught to dream as big as possible. That still reflects in the way I play now.”Bellingham may be reaching for the stars, but he never forgets where he is from.He added: “I am always in touch with people from Birmingham, people from my past. They are just as excited for it as me. They have been trying to get a few more tickets…”At Madrid’s sun-kissed training ground, Bellingham is standing tall on a small metal platform, looking down at a hungry media pack who are chomping at the bit for every cough and splutter he has to offer.Bellingham’s response is telling. He smiles, cracks a few jokes and waxes lyrical in a way most seasoned pros struggle with. The pack are soon putty in his young hands.It begs the question: how on earth is he like this during one of the biggest weeks of his life and career so far?Bellingham chuckled: “This is a game I have dreamed of all my life, so it would be stupid now to get here and want to hide away from the occasion.“I know how to feel good going into big games. I have been around amazing pros and stolen little things from them.“It’s important to just be me and not worry too much about the emotional side.”In truth, Bellingham was born to deliver in these sorts of moments, but his £88.5million summer switch from Dortmund to the Bernabeu last June has taken him to even greater heights.BRITISH PLAYERS IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE/EUROPEAN CUP FINALS FOR REAL MADRID
      1981
      Lawrie Cunningham vs Liverpool (L 1-0) Goals: 0
      2000
      Steve McManaman vs Valencia (W 3-0) Goals: 1
      2002
      Steve McManaman vs Bayer Leverkusen (W 2-1) Goals: 0
      2014
      Gareth Bale vs Atletico Madrid (W 4-1) Goals: 1
      2016
      Gareth Bale vs Atletico Madrid (D 1-1, 5-3 pens) Goals: 0
      2017
      Gareth Bale vs Juventus (W 4-1) Goals: 0
      2018
      Gareth Bale vs Liverpool (W 3-1) Goals: 2

      He has Madrid’s eyebrow-raising managerial maestro Carlo Ancelotti to thank, the Italian coach pushing the Three Lions star higher up the pitch straight away. Take note, Gareth Southgate.Bellingham said: “From the first day I arrived [Ancelotti] said you’re going to be playing a little bit higher. It was not something I had done so consistently before.“But, I was really excited by the prospect of it, being closer to goal, being free in the top third. In the end, it was a decent decision. He knows what he is doing.”It is fitting that Bellingham gets to face off against his old pals at Dortmund, where he spent three fine years.He received a text from one of those in Jadon Sancho shortly after Real’s semi-final triumph over Bayern Munich, a player he “respects a lot”.READ MORE SUN STORIESA wall surrounding a training pitch at Madrid’s base reads: “This is Grandeza”, which translates to “greatness”.Should Bellingham climb the Wembley steps and lift the Champions League, that slogan may well apply solely to him. More

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      Why Erik ten Hag could soon win Man Utd the Premier League title… if Sir Jim Ratcliffe changes his mind

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      IT is a truth universally acknowledged that ­Manchester United cannot possibly decide Erik ten Hag’s future on the basis of a single match.But why not?Erik ten Hag’s future is in doubtCredit: GettyThe Man Utd boss won the FA Cup at the weekendCredit: GettyWhy not, when that single match saw them win football’s grandest domestic knockout competition by defeating the best team on the planet, thanks to their manager’s tactical acumen.There is no doubt that Ten Hag would have been sacked had — as expected — United lost Saturday’s FA Cup final to Manchester City.But United did win 2-1 at ­Wembley. Ten Hag did outwit Pep Guardiola by setting up his side without a centre-forward.And United did look a ­half-decent team once they had a couple of fit first-choice central defenders — as the Dutchman always argued they would.Read More on Man UtdSo why shouldn’t Sir Jim ­Ratcliffe change his mind on the basis of all that?Isn’t winning silverware what football is about?The vast majority of United fans would have preferred a trophy to Champions League qualification, given a straight choice.And we cannot spend several months talking up the magic of the FA Cup, only to brand the identity of the winners as irrelevant come May.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOf course, United’s campaign has been poor overall — a worst-ever eighth-place Premier League finish, a negative goal difference and finishing bottom of their Champions League group.United’s players admitted their season hadn’t been good enough in an unusual joint statement.Erik ten Hag in blunt three-word response as Man Utd boss is asked whether he’s been treated unfairlyThe managerial situation would be different if Ratcliffe, United’s new football supremo, had a clear vision for the club’s future, with a successor to Ten Hag identified and readied for arrival.Instead, Ratcliffe and Co have been sounding out every Tom, Dick and Harry — from Mauricio Pochettino to Kieran McKenna to Thomas Tuchel to Thomas Frank to Roberto De Zerbi.Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter are also highly-regarded among the collection of green-fingered executives currently on gardening leave at rival clubs before arriving at Old Trafford.Meanwhile, Ten Hag, with two trophies in as many seasons, is left swinging in the wind.There is no bus parade for Erik, just a long wait on a  sunbed for the likely arrival of the Spanish archer.Only Manchester United could manage to win a major trophy in impressive style and finish the weekend looking a complete ­shambles.But that is where we are thanks to Ratcliffe and Co managing to look simultaneously heartless and hopeless in their treatment of Ten Hag.There was no name-check for the manager in the Ineos billionaire’s triumphant post-final statement.Ten Hag was admirably stridentJust as there has been no backing for Ten Hag in the five months since Ratcliffe purchased a 27.7 per cent stake in United and took over their footballing operation.Ten Hag was admirably strident in his post-match ­comments after the final. He has taken a huge amount of flak all season, from ex-players in TV studios and the likes of me, so why not give some back?To paraphrase — if United don’t want him, he’ll go somewhere  else and win trophies as he’d always done; Roy Keane failed as a manager (a brave thing to say to Keane’s face) and the club was a mess when he arrived.All fair points, well made.And while no manager ever wants to rely on the sympathy vote, Ten Hag certainly gained the  sympathy of a vast swathe of United supporters this weekend — as a winner, who is being openly ­disrespected by his bosses.Sir Jim and his new regime were welcomed as liberating heroes by United fans in mid-season — just as anyone  lessening the influence of the Glazers would have been.Yet he has torched much of that goodwill with his shabby handling of Ten Hag’s future.The pros and cons of Ten Hag’s reign have been well argued.His first season was good, his second season was ravaged by an injury crisis, especially in defence.But the £85.5million signing of Antony has been a disaster, the handling of Jadon Sancho — who will contest Saturday’s Champions League final on loan at Borussia Dortmund — is an embarrassment, while United have too often lacked an attacking gameplan.Still, despite such a dismal league campaign and despite so many issues remaining within the squad, United have been presented with a chance to make a genuine challenge for the Premier League title before long.After his arrival, Ratcliffe made  a ballsy statement about wanting  to ‘knock City and Liverpool off their perch’, which was met with widespread derision.But the exit of Jurgen Klopp from Anfield, and Guardiola’s likely departure from the Etihad next summer, will allow the rest of  the Premier League’s wealthiest contenders to hold more realistic title ambitions.The opportunity is there for Ratcliffe as long as he identifies the right manager.And could that manager be  the bloke who has just won him the FA Cup?It’s starting to look like Sir Jim Ratcliffe doesn’t know what he’s doingBy Neil Custis
      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE looked more than a little shame-faced when he headed into Manchester United’s dressing room to congratulate his FA Cup winners.
      The plan had already been hatched ahead of Saturday’s 2-1 win over Manchester City . . .  and this was all rather awkward.
      It was a stunning performance from Ten Hag’s troops and United’s triumph over a team widely regarded as the best in the world will live long in the memory.
      It was also a personal triumph for the unassuming guy who had arrived at Old Trafford full of life and ideas to make United better — which in many ways he has.
      Having been dealt a dreadful hand with injuries in his second season, he tried to explain to Ratcliffe and his team just how much this has affected performances.
      But it seems Sir Jim hasn’t listened. Nor has he taken notice of the way Ten Hag  has carefully brought Saturday’s scorers  Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo into the first team — with spectacular results.
      Ratcliffe has fired out emails criticising  the state of an office, called the club museum ‘crap’ and withdrew travel and lunch benefits for United staff on FA Cup  final day to cut costs.
      There is early proof the new men overseeing United’s football department do not know what they are doing, not least in the way they deal with people . . .  including the most important one of all — the manager.
      Ratcliffe and his team seem to have  spoken to anyone able to set up Subbuteo.
      And everyone they have spoken to believes they have got the job.
      Read the full column from Neil Custis here

      North going south in PremAFTER Leeds’ defeat by Southampton in the Championship play-off final, there will be fewer northern clubs in the top flight next season than  at any time in English league football history.The Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle will be the only five northern sides — as opposed to 11 from the south and four Midlands clubs.Southampton won the Championship Play-Offs at the weekendCredit: GettyFormer top-flight regulars such as the Sheffield clubs, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Burnley, Bolton, Stoke, Wigan and Hull have been wiped off the Premier League map.With northern clubs outside the three major footballing cities struggling to attract the wealthiest owners — and therefore the best players — there is little prospect of any ‘levelling up’ in football’s north-south divide.A step too Far for DanSPARE a thought for Daniel Farke, who is facing the sack at Leeds, despite accumulating 90 points and leading his team to third place and a narrow play-off final defeat.Especially given the career trajectories of the two managers who pipped him to promotion – Leicester’s Enzo Maresca is heading for Chelsea, while Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna attracted interest from the Stamford Bridge club as well as Manchester United and Brighton.And that’s without even mentioning relegated Burnley boss Vinny Kompany taking over at Bayern Munich.Grealish in the partySHOULD Jack Grealish make the England squad for the Euros? Of course he should.Not because Manchester City’s £100million man would get much game time.Jack Grealish was the life of Man City’s title partyCredit: SplashBut because, if Gareth Southgate’s men win the tournament, nobody would be more fun than Grealish on an open-top bus parade.READ MORE SUN STORIESLet him play MurrANDY MURRAY’S straight sets first-round French Open defeat against his fellow veteran Stan Wawrinka has increased calls for the three-time Grand Slam winner to call it a day.If Murray still enjoys playing professional tennis at the age of 37 and without any realistic hope of recapturing former glories, then that is his absolute right.Andy Murray was knocked out of the French OpenCredit: Alamy More

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      How Chelsea face epic 331-DAY season with whopping 74 games after Man Utd dropped them into Conference League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S shock FA Cup final win has handed Chelsea an incredibly busy calendar.The sixth-place Blues dropped into the Europa Conference League as the Red Devils joined Tottenham in the Europa League despite finishing eighth thanks to their Wembley victory.Chelsea’s players are set for a busy seasonCredit: ReutersThe Blues could be in action for most of the yearCredit: GettyAnd that means Chelsea could rack up an incredible 74 games in a mammoth season.The incredible figure does not even include five pre-season fixtures, with the Blues potentially in action for 331 days.Chelsea are on a tour of the USA from July 24 to August 6 and return 11 days before the Premier League season, which finishes on May 25 next year.The Blues’ Conference League campaign kicks off on August 22 and, if they make the final, that takes place three days after the top-flight finale.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWAnd just when the end is in sight, the Club World Cup is slated to kick off on June 15, with the final on July 13.To make matters worse, many Blues stars will be in action at this summer’s European Championship.Chelsea are keen to get their business done early this window and their first priority is bringing in a manager.Mauricio Pochettino waved goodbye despite winning his final five games and reaching the Carabao Cup final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSunSport exclusively revealed that Chelsea have held talks with Leicester boss Enzo Maresca.Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are also in the frame.Watch Argentina World Cup winner and £107m Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez play hurling on holiday in Ireland Blues chiefs are keen to have the new man through the door by the end of next week so they can focus on players.Having a deep squad will be even more important next season due to the return of European football to Stamford Bridge and a jam-packed calendar.Chelsea are ready to launch a £20million bid for Burnley keeper James Trafford as they seek a long-term answer in goal.Boehly’s record would make even Abramovich blush… we’re back to square one
      HERE we go again.
      Just when some positivity was building around the place and an optimistic eye was being cast to the future, Clearlake Capital go hurtling full pelt back to the drawing board, write SunSport’s Tom Sheen.
      Mauricio Pochettino leaving will make it six different managers in less than two years when next season rolls around, a record that would make Roman Abramovich blush.
      But while the oligarch was keeping Chelsea’s HR department busy by regularly handing out P45s, he was also regularly delivering world class players in the hope of delivering instant silverware.
      There was no ‘Vision 2030’, talk of players as financial assets or ridiculous eight-year contracts that potentially hamstring the club.
      Hiring and firing worked under the previous regime because Chelsea had a spine of world class talent that they were always looking to improve upon – not a group of players who look light years away from the top teams in the land.
      One thing is for sure, though. If Clearlake carry on down this road they’ll need a rebrand to Vision 2060.
      Click here to read Tom’s damning verdict in full…

      Pochettino’s Chelsea record
      MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
      An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
      But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
      Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
      Premier League – 6th
      FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
      Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
      Total record:
      Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
      Goals for 103Goals against 74 More

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      Ex-France star who tore Man Utd apart wakes up unemployed aged 33 after release by former Champions League finalists

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      WISSAM BEN YEDDER has left Monaco as a free agent.The talented forward, 33, was out of contract at the end of the season.Wissam Ben Yedder has left Monaco in search of a new clubCredit: AFPThe Frenchman celebrates at Old TraffordCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe held talks with the French club but both parties decided his future was elsewhere.Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro said via Get French Football News: “I had a talk with him yesterday. “It was a very good one-on-one conversation. “It was good to reflect on the season, to listen to him, to listen to his expectations for the future, and how he sees himself.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”A player like him being free is very attractive in the market.”Monaco later confirmed 19-cap France star Ben Yedder’s exit.Scuro added: “Everyone knows Wissam’s qualities as an exceptional striker with an incredible sense of the game and of scoring goals. “What he has done on the pitch over the last five seasons will go down in the club’s history.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We wish him all the best for the future.”Ben Yedder scored twice for Sevilla at Old Trafford to knock Manchester United out of the Champions League in 2018.Fans stunned by France manager Didier Deschamps’ ‘ruthless’ half-time team-talk – despite being 7-0 upHe scored 70 times in 138 matches for the Spaniards before moving to France.Ben Yedder racked up an impressive 118 strikes in 208 outings for Monaco and should have plenty of suitors despite his age.His exit could open the door for former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, 22, to establish himself with the Ligue 1 outfit next season. More

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      AC Milan announce Stefano Pioli will LEAVE as Champions League club are latest to join managerial merry-go-round

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      AC Milan have parted ways with manager Stefano Pioli.The 58-year-old has been in charge of Milan for the last five years.Stefano Pioli has left AC MilanCredit: GettyHowever, he will leave following the club’s final match of the season against Salernitana on Saturday.An official statement from the club read: “AC Milan and Stefano Pioli announce that the Mister will be departing after the end of the current season, after having been in charge of the First Team since October 2019.”AC Milan extends heartfelt thanks to Stefano Pioli and his entire staff for leading the First Team over the past five years, securing an unforgettable League title and re-establishing AC Milan’s consistent presence in the top European competition.”Stefano’s professionalism and human touch have significantly contributed to the growth of the squad, embodying the Club’s core values ​​from day one. Read More on Football”Stefano Pioli expresses his gratitude to AC Milan for the opportunity to be part of the history of this glorious Club.”He is deeply grateful to the ownership, management, team, staff, and everyone at Milanello and Casa Milan for their support and outstanding commitment.”He also extends a special thanks to the many fans who have passionately supported AC Milan over the years, demonstrating unwavering dedication.”Pioli replaced Marco Giampaolo at the San Siro in 2019 and has since managed 239 games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAcross five years the Italian has recorded 132 wins, 55 draws and 52 defeats.He guided AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022 and earned his first major trophy.Watch tense moment AC Milan star Rafael Leao blasts ‘do your job’ at journalist after Europa League clash However, the Black and Reds have struggled to compete with local rivals Inter this season.They currently sit second in the table, 19 points adrift of their local rivals.According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Paulo Fonseca is expected to replace Pioli.Fonseca has been in charge of Lille since 2022 and has also managed the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk, Porto and Roma.The managerial merry-go-roundSOME of the biggest clubs in Europe are on the hunt for a new manager ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
      CHELSEA announced that Mauricio Pochettino had left by mutual consent earlier this week.
      The Blues are now determined to appoint his successor as quickly as possible, with Leicester manager Enzo Maresca, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank on the shortlist.
      BARCELONA are also scouting a new boss following the departure of Xavi.
      The Spaniard announced his intention to leave earlier this year but then allegedly agreed to stay at the Nou Camp.
      However, he recently completed another U-turn and is now set to move on.
      BAYERN MUNICH have been frantically looking for a new manager since Thomas Tuchel announced his departure in February.
      Having been rejected by the likes of Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, Ralf Rangnick and Oliver Glasner they have now turned to Manchester City legend and Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
      BRIGHTON are also without a manager following the shock departure of Roberto De Zerbi.
      McKenna has been linked with the Brighton job.
      JUVENTUS announced the departure of Massimiliano Allegri last week, meaning he is now available.
      Although nothing has been confirmed, MANCHESTER UNITED are expected to sack Erik ten Hag after the FA Cup final.
      The Red Devils have been linked with Tuchel, Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate in recent months. More

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      Gareth Bale tips Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham to win Ballon d’Or if England win Euro 2024

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      GARETH BALE is backing Jude Bellingham to win the Ballon d’Or if he leads England to Euros glory.The Real Madrid midfielder, 20, has lit up the Bernabeu club in his debut season – with 23 goals so far to help them lift the Spanish title and reach the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham has been a revelation for Real Madrid since his £115million summer deal from Borussia DortmundCredit: GettyReal are in the Champions League final on Saturday week – a competition Gareth Bale won five times with the Spanish giantsMichael Owen was the last Englishman to win world football’s top individual honour while at Liverpool in 2001.Bellingham’s big rival for the award is Brazilian club-mate Vinicius Junior.And ex-Real star Bale reckons this summer’s Euros and Copa America will decide who comes out on top.Bale, a five-time Champions League winner with Los Blancos, said: “Having a major international tournament is going to play a big part in winning that trophy.read more in football”The Copa America is on as well, so I guess there’s a lot to play for because winning the Ballon d’Or you need to win team trophies – like Lionel Messi did a couple of years ago.”Obviously there’s a lot to prove but Bellingham has done a lot of the hard work already.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He’s slotted in really well and had a fantastic first season. “He’s won the league and to be able to win a Champions League in your first season – obviously from personal experience it is a great thing to have – gives you that platform to keep pushing on.Most read in Champions League”It’s a very nice club to be at and hopefully they can get another win and keep cementing their title as the kings of Europe. “To keep doing it year in and year out is a special skill.”England footie star Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriend is a lads’ mag pin-up in her native NetherlandsGareth Southgate named Bellingham on Tuesday in his 33-player provisional Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.First though, the ex-Birmingham ace, who joined Real from Dortmund in a £115million deal last summer, aims to land the club’s 15th European Cup at Wembley on Saturday week when Bale will be cheering on his old side.The Wales legend, 34, joined Real from Tottenham in what was then a world record £86m transfer 11 years ago and won the Champions League at the end of his first season in Spain.But, speaking at a Mastercard event to launch the Pledge Ball – a football made from recycled boots and engraved with pledges by the football community to promote sustainability – Bale also admitted that Bellingham’s instant impact under Carlo Ancelotti has taken even him by surprise.He added: “I don’t think anyone expected it. His record in the past did not suggest he could score that many goals.”But he’s probably playing in a more advanced role in Madrid and the team is a lot younger. The environment is more comfortable.”Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia ValkBy Jon Boon
      LAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.
      The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.
      Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
      From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.
      Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.
      She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.
      It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!
      Find out more about Laura.
      Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news. More

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      Ademola Lookman earns just the 18th 10/10 rating from L’Equipe for incredible Europa League final hat-trick

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      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN’S hat-trick heroics in the Europa League final have led to him joining an exclusive club.The forward and Atalanta abruptly ended Bayer Leverkusen’s dream of an unbeaten season by thumping them 3-0 in Dublin.Ademola Lookman made history with his hat-trick for Atalanta against LeverkusenCredit: AlamyThe forward fired his side to the Europa League trophyCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old scored a brilliant treble to fire the Italian club to the Europa League at the Aviva Stadium and end their 61-year trophy drought.Lookman, who graduated from Charlton Athletic’s academy before going on to play for Everton in 2017, joined the Serie A side from RB Leipzig in a £12m deal last summer.And the ex-Fulham and Leicester City loanee has now written his name into Atalanta folklore and achieved legendary status with his exploits yesterday.However, his performance also earned him another highly-coveted accolade – a perfect and ultra-rare 10/10 rating from L’Equipe.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Nigerian international firstly beat a defender to latch on to a ball that was played back across goal to score from inside the box.Lookman then “sent Granit Xhaka to a retirement home” with a moment of genius leading up to his second.He put the ball through Xhaka’s legs to set up the chance as he shifted his weight perfectly to meg his rival and then tee up a long-distance effort that he struck with serious venom to find the bottom corner of the net.Lookman then secured the trophy, and the matchball, with a finish into the top right corner after being slipped in down the left.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat capped the perfect performance as the notoriously tough-to-please L’Equipe gave him a glowing assessment – and also made him just the 18th player to ever receive a 10/10 rating from them.They wrote: “The Nigerian scored three magnificent goals.Former Man Utd star brings Europa League trophy out after Atalanta thump Bayer Leverkusen“The first as a center forward, overtaking Palacios and putting the right foot area under the bar of Kovar’s goal (12th).“The second is a technical feat, a small bridge-rolling strike sequence, in the middle of several German players (26th). And the third is a masterpiece (75th). “It’s the perfect match. He scored three goals almost single-handedly in a European Cup final against a team that was favourite. It ticks all the boxes of the 10.”He is the first player to score that mark since Erling Haaland scored five past RB Leipzig for Man City in last season’s Champions League.The Norwegian goal machine is one of only two men to manage that feat – the other being the legendary Lionel Messi.However, Haaland is the only person to achieve both in the same season.The perfect 10 is something even Cristiano Ronaldo has never been able to achieve.Now Lookman says that he hopes his man of the match performance is just the start of big things to come.L’EQUIPE’S PERFECT 10sHere are the 18 times that the notoriously hard outlet has given 10/10:
      1. Franck Sauzee (France v Greece, 1988)
      2. Bruno Martini (France v Greece, 1988)
      3. Oleg Salenko (Russia v Cameroon, 1994)
      4. Lars Windfeld (Aarhus v Nantes, 1997)
      5. Lionel Messi (Barcelona v Arsenal, 2010) 
      6. Lionel Messi (Barcelona v Bayer Leverkusen, 2012)
      7. Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid, 2013) 
      8. Carlos Eduardo (Nice v Guingamp, 2014) 
      9. Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain v Dijon, 2018) 
      10. Dusan Tadic (Ajax v Real Madrid, 2019)
      12. Lucas Moura (Tottenham v Ajax, 2019) 
      13. Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich v Tottenham, 2019) 
      13. Kylian Mbappe (France v Kazakhstan, 2021)
      14. Alban Lafont (Nantes v Paris Saint-Germain, 2021) 
      15. Erling Haaland (Man City v Man United, 2022
      16. Dominik Livakovic (Croatia 1-1 Brazil (pens 4-2), 2022) 
      17. Erling Haaland (Man City v RB Leipzig, 2023)
      18. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta v Bayer Leverkusen 2024)

      He said: “I’ve always had the confidence in my ability.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the past two years I’ve been able to take my game to a new level and show it on a more consistent basis.“Maybe it could have come earlier but it’s come now. I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made but this is just the beginning. I hope for more nights like this.”Lookman goes from Panenka laughing stock to European hat-trick hero
      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN will go down in Atalanta, and European football, folklore after his stunning Europa League final hat-trick vs Bayer Leverkusen.
      Lookman’s treble was the first in the final of a Uefa competition since 1975.
      But some Premier League fans won’t have believed their eyes – after witnessing his infamous Panenka miss for Fulham.
      Lookman was spotted playing Sunday league in Lambeth by Charlton just TEN YEARS ago, at the age of 16.
      Twelve months on, in 2015, he was already the Addicks’ best player, shining on the wing in the Championship.
      And before he knew it, Lookman was in the Premier League after a massive £11million move to Everton.
      Lookman, by now 20, made an instant impact, scoring on his debut in 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City.
      He even won the U20s World Cup with England, netting three goals in the tournament.
      But he struggled to earn regular football with the Toffees, before defying boss Sam Allardyce’s wishes by snubbing a loan to Derby to push through a move to RB Leipzig instead.
      Lookman impressed in the Bundesliga with five goals and earned a permanent move.
      But he again failed to settle and soon found himself back in the Prem on loan with Fulham
      His spell at Craven Cottage saw moments of brilliance overshadowed by costly mistakes.
      None more so than his ill-fated Panenka penalty against West Ham.
      Lookman’s scuffed chipped effort dropped tamely into motionless Lukasz Fabianski’s waiting hands, leading to widespread criticism and ridicule from fans and pundits alike.
      A loan at Leicester followed but it was a switch to Atalanta in Serie A which saw Lookman finally fulfil his potential.
      Now playing international football for Nigeria, he helped them reach the Afcon final earlier this year.
      But he didn’t have to wait long to add his first senior trophy as the undisputed man-of-the-match in Dublin against the previous unbeatable Leverkusen. More

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      in Soccer

      Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood star

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      KYLIAN Mbappe has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, expected to sign for Real Madrid after confirming his exit from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, is said to have finalised the purchase on Tuesday afternoon.Kylian Mbappe has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in MadridCredit: RexIt’s where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capitalCredit: GettyRichard Gere would become Mbappe’s neighbourCredit: GettyAs would Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and wife Pilar RubioCredit: Alamy Live NewsRespected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe, who has yet to officially announce where he will play football next season, said the striker had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower on Monday night, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”READ MORE IN football The mansion he is said to have bought reportedly forms a ‘golden triangle’ with the homes of Ramos and Gere.Ramos’ place is close to the property Mbappe has purchased and the home the US actor shares with his wife is also near, according to La Razon.Spanish news website El Confidencial said the French footballer’s property purchase had been sealed following a “war between real estate companies that had lasted months.”La Moraleja has long been one of the favourites of LaLiga’s leading footballers and other household names in Spain.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt was a private estate belonging to a widowed marchioness until the middle of the 20th century before the construction of the first family homes.Some of its famous residents, including Spanish actress Ana Obregon who was once linked to Beckham during his time in Madrid, live on gated private estates with 27/4 security within the main La Moraleja estate.Watch Kylian Mbappe ‘fall in love in three seconds’ as he is caught out ogling glamorous influencerThe former England captain and his designer wife bought their old home there in June 2005 from a French couple for £3million.They sold it to a wealthy Spanish entrepreneur who headed a plastic waste disposal firm for £4.2million nearly ten years later and eight years after they moved out.Posh and Becks lived in rental properties before finding their dream home, which boasted an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis courts, a small football pitch and a children’s play area.They spent £350,000 refurbishing the five-bed house, set in two acres of land, after consulting a Feng Shui expert.Police were called twice while they lived there – once after complaints from neighbours about noise when Becks celebrated his 31st birthday with a May 2006 party and six months later when three Japanese journalists mistaken for armed raiders sneaked into the grounds.Victoria and youngest son Cruz, then just 19 months, were inside the mansion at the time.READ MORE SUN STORIESA uniformed security guard pulled his revolver on the three men fearing they were a gang of hardened criminals and six police cars raced to the house before the intruders were released after proving their identities.Beckham offered to rent the property to ex-Real Madrid star Kaka when the Brazilian joined the Spanish club, but the striker and now-estranged wife Caroline Celico eventually decided to move to VIP bunker La Finca.La Moraleja is an affluent residential district of AlcobendasCredit: Alamy More