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      Chelsea icons reunite on the golf course as fans say ‘this is about as legendary as it gets’

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      A GANG of Chelsea legends went viral after a surprise reunion for a friendly game of golf.John Terry, Roberto Di Matteo, Gianfranco Zola and Carlo Cudicini swapped their football boots for a set of clubs as they took to the fairways.John Terry, Roberto Di Matteo, Carlo Cudicini and Gianfranco Zola went for a game of golfCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26Terry shared a picture of him and his fellow Chelsea legends playing golfCredit: PA:Press AssociationCudicini teamed up with Terry and they beat Di Matteo as well as CudiciniCredit: Getty Images – GettyZola played with all of the other three legends during his Chelsea careerCredit: GettyTerry linked up with former team-mate Cudicini and together they beat Italian pair Di Matteo and Zola.And after their game, the Blues’ quartet took a photo which legendary captain JT shared on social media.Terry posted on Instagram: “Great to see these @chelseafc [Chelsea] LEGENDS. “Well played partner @ccudicini [Cudicini]. Unlucky @gianfranco_zola25[Zola and] @roberto_di_m [Di Matteo].”Read More on ChelseaThe ex-England international’s post attracted over 7,000 likes from Chelsea fans who were left in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.One fan posted: “About as legendary Chelsea as it gets.”Another commented: “Too many legends in this pic..”A third wrote: “I absolutely love this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThis fan said: “This is class!!”And that one stated: “Things you love to see!”Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard on live TV but Chelsea legend has perfect responseAll four Chelsea legends used to be team-mates at some point during the late 1990s and early 2000s.That was when Di Matteo and Zola’s stars started to dwindle while Cudicini and Terry were on the rise.Di Matteo returned to Stamford Bridge as manager and won the West Londoners’ first ever Champions League trophy in 2012 with JT as his captain.Chelsea’s penalty chaosMAURICIO POCHETTINO has been tearing his hair out watching Chelsea’s stars fight over penalties again and again. Here are all their spot kick lowlights

      CHELSEA 2-2 ARSENAL (23rd October, 2023)GOAL Raheem Sterling immediately picks up the ball to take Chelsea’s spot kick before Cole Palmer approaches. Enzo Fernandez intervenes to give the ball to Palmer, who sends David Raya the wrong way to score.
      CHELSEA 4 LEICESTER CITY 2 (17th March, 2024)MISS Raheem Sterling wins a penalty and this time is handed the ball by Palmer. However, he fires it down the middle and sees his kick comfortably saved. Leicester later recover to 2-2 from 2-0 down and Sterling is booed every time he touches the ball by a section of the home crowd.
      CHELSEA 4 MANCHESTER UNITED 3 (4th April, 2024)GOAL Noni Madueke makes an audacious attempt to take the ball off Palmer after winning a 98th minute penalty with the Blues 3-2 down but is pulled away by Trevoh Chalobah. Palmer sends Andre Onana the wrong way before scoring a winner two minutes later.
      CHELSEA 6 EVERTON 0 (15th April, 2024)GOAL Madueke picks up the ball immediately after Chelsea are awarded a penalty at 4-0 up, but a furious Nicolas Jackson rushes in wanting to take the kick and shoves the winger. Captain Conor Gallagher has to intervene to give the ball to Palmer, who scores. Pochettino blasts his team’s behaviour as “like being at school”. More

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      The FA have long been a disgrace to the game, but scrapping cup replays should be final nail in the coffin

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      THE FA have long been a disgrace to our national game.And their announcement last week about scrapping FA Cup replays from the first round should be the final nail in their coffin of integrity.The decision to scrap FA Cup replays only profits Premier League clubs playing in EuropeCredit: ReutersThe FA are letting the prestigious competition downCredit: PAThe football regulator cannot come soon enough to take control away from these hapless men in grey blazers.How the hell can this organisation make such a sweeping change to the oldest domestic cup competition in the world without consulting 712 of the 732 clubs that entered it this season?They did not discuss it with the EFL, they didn’t mention it to the National League or any of the grassroots divisions.They simply dictated to them: Our entire game must revolve around the Premier League.Read More on FootballAnd let’s face it, this decision is only about pleasing the SEVEN clubs who play in Europe.It’s ironic when you think that the glory that Sir Alex Ferguson delivered to Manchester United might well never have happened had it not been for cup replays.Coventry boss Mark Robins scored a winner in a semi-final replay against Oldham in 1990 that saved him from being sacked.And Fergie’s first trophy was also won after they beat Crystal Palace following a replay in the final that year.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe FA Cup is a crown jewel of our football heritage and the blazers at Wembley are happy to further damage this wonderful competition.Let’s not forget it wasn’t long ago that these same idiots wanted to sell our national stadium to Fulham owner Shahid Khan. They actually were going to do that had it not been for a huge stink-up.Thiago Silva breaks down in tears on Wembley pitch after Blues crumble against Man CiyuTimes have changed in terms of the amount of games the elite clubs play in Europe – but that doesn’t mean we should be watering down our flagship competition to accommodate that.When the FA scrapped replays from the fifth round, it was a fair compromise. It allowed the smaller clubs the chance to force a replay and generate much-needed revenue.Given that the FA don’t allow these clubs to switch home ties to their opponents’ bigger stadiums anymore, it’s a massive deal for a Sutton United or Boreham Wood snatching a draw at home against someone like Man Utd or Arsenal.When Cambridge United earned a replay against the Red Devils in 2015, it saved the club from financial meltdownThe FA blame the expanding European tournaments that are adding to the fixtures.But it always amazes me when I hear people like Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola whinge about the schedule.FIXTURE CONGESTION MYTHCity will finish this season having played 59 games in all competition – and we all have to get the violins out.But what about League One club Peterborough United who could end their campaign having played SIXTY-FOUR? I never hear Posh boss Darren Ferguson complaining about that.Nor did I ever once hear George Elokobi complain about his FA Cup giantkillers Maidstone United having to play SIXTY games so far. If the National League South side reach their division’s play-off final, they will have ended up playing SIXTY-THREE matches!And most of their players have to do a five-day week of work on top of their football too!This contrasts hugely with say the Premier League’s bottom club Sheffield United, who will finish their miserable season having played only 41 games in all competitions.It is a huge myth that the FA Cup adds a huge burden to clubs’ fixtures.ALL ABOUT THE MONEYThe real reason why the top seven in particular don’t want to play the extra games is purely finance. Don’t let them fool you otherwise.West Ham for example won more money for topping their group in the Europa Conference League last season than what Manchester City won for lifting the FA Cup.If the cup paid out more than European football, they would instead be complaining about the expanding UEFA competitions.It is bad enough that most of these clubs don’t bother playing pre-season friendlies anymore against the lower-league teams, preferring instead to push their brands across other continents so they can get richer and richer.Personally, I’d love it if a football regulator had the power to kick the likes of United, City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal out of English football completely.And I’d enjoy it even more if they force them to play ALL their games outside the country in their much-wanted breakaway European Super League.Never in the long and proud history of English football have our top clubs been so out of touch with the heartbeat of the game in our country.READ MORE SUN STORIESEnough is enough. Football must be regulated because the whole way the game is run here is rotten to its core.And those in power at the FA should be booted into row Z once and for all. More

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      Unai Emery jumps into shock lead to become new manager of Champions League giants with Premier League rival also wanted

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      UNAI EMERY has emerged as the front runner to become Bayern Munich’s next manager, a report claims.The Aston Villa boss returned to the Premier League in October 2022 and has transformed Villa from relegation battlers to Champions League hopefuls.Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is now the front runner to become Bayern Munich’s next managerCredit: RexEmery, 52, has had a magnificent season at Villa Park with his side currently fourth in the table while also reaching the Conference League semi-finals.His resurgence in success following his tenure at Villarreal, after parting ways with Arsenal in November 2019, has captured the attention of Europe’s top clubs, including Bayern Munich.The Bundesliga giants are searching for their next manager to replace Thomas Tuchel.German newspaper Bild now claim that Emery is the hottest candidate to succeed Tuchel, with newly-appointed director of sport Max Eberal a big fan of the Spaniard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Bayern and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus wants to see the ex-PSG boss get the job, telling Sky Germany: “I would get Unai Emery from Aston Villa. “He’s doing a great job there. He has a lot of experience – including internationally – and he has titles to his name with Sevilla, for example.”He speaks perfect English. He can then learn German, but the players can all speak English anyway, so I don’t see any language barrier. “Emery would also be someone who would bring in a new wind, he would be a new face in the Bundesliga and That would fit well with Bayern Munich.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Bavarian giants, who last week lost the German title for the first time in 12 years as unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen won the Bundesliga.Despite leading Bayern into this year’s Champions League semi-finals, where they’ll face Real Madrid, it’s already been confirmed that the ex-Chelsea boss will leave the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.Gus Poyet explains why Arsenal are not out of Prem title hunt after Aston Villa heartbreakBayern have seen their ex-manager Julian Nagelsmann turn down the chance to return to Munich, signing a new two-year contract with the German national team, while Zinedine Zidane reportedly isn’t interested either. And Eberl said language could come into play when choosing the next boss. He said: “I can say that our search for new manager is at the final stages. The coach should speak English, not necessarily German.”Emery isn’t the only Premier League manager in the race as Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has also come into Eberl’s thinking.Bayern have four Bundesliga games left, alongside their Champions League semi-final clashes with Real and a potential final at Wembley. More

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      What the hell happened to you? WWE star Drew McIntyre trolls Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney in front of 16,000 fans

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney was trolled by WWE superstar Drew McIntyre during a surprise appearance in a live wrestling show in London.Rooney’s glittering 19-year career came to an end in 2021 when he retired with five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a Champions League trophy and a Europa League honour under his belt.Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney attended a WWE live showCredit: GettyWWE superstar and British icon Drew McIntyre trolled Rooney during the showCredit: SplashUnited’s record scorer then pursued a managerial career and had short stints at Derby, DC United and Birmingham, who sacked him in January after a disastrous three-month spell.The 38-year-old tactician is now a free agent and enjoying some time off with his family.The legendary striker took advantage of his free time as WWE visited the UK during their European tour to stage a non-televised house show at The O2 Arena on Friday.Scottish legend McIntyre, who wrestles as a heel – which is a wrestling term for a bad guy – spotted him sitting in the front row with his two sons before his match against Jey Uso.Read More on FootballAt first the three-time world champion complimented Rooney for his incredible football success in front of 16,000 fans.But then the Rangers fan proceeded to trash talk his fellow Brit by pointing out that they’re the same age but somehow he looks much better than the Everton hero.McIntyre said: “Speaking of British legends… Is that Wayne Rooney?”I’ve got to give this man his props, from one British legend to another, you were the freaking man in your day.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”But, aren’t we the same age? What the hell happened to you?!”Rooney is an avid professional wrestling fan and has had some previous brushings with WWE superstars.Man Utd icon Wayne Rooney calls Twitch streamer AngryGinge a ‘ginger c’ during EA Sports FC live streamBack in 2015, the England great was confronted by fellow Brit Wade Barrett during an episode of RAW in Manchester.Preston fan Barrett mocked him as he sat in the front row and that led to the United favourite slapping him across the face.An angle between Rooney and McIntyre is highly unlikely as The Scottish Warrior is now after the World Heavyweight Championship.McIntyre won the belt at WrestleMania 40 when he ended Seth Rollins’ 316-day reign and realised his dream of winning a world title in front of a live crowd at the Showcase of the Immortals.But the ex-WWE Champion went on to mock CM Punk who sat on the commentary desk and that led to a vicious attack by The Best in the World.That left McIntyre in a vulnerable state and so Damian Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase to become the new champion. More

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      Man Utd hoping Borussia Dortmund shock PSG in Champions League semi after clause put into Jadon Sancho loan deal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will pocket extra cash thanks to Borussia Dortmund’s run in the Champions League.The German giants beat Atletico Madrid 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-final to set up a last four clash with Paris Saint-Germain.Jadon Sancho helped fire Dortmund into the Champions League semi-finalCredit: RexSir Jim Ratcliffe will pocket bonus cash after Dortmund’s successCredit: PASancho joined Dortmund in January on loan until the end of the season after a public fall out with Erik ten Hag.In the deal that saw the 24-year-old return to his former club, Man Utd inserted clauses that have now been met.The Times report that Dortmund owe the Red Devils additional funds as they have made the Champions League semi-final.Should they progress further, the amount is expected to rise up to £3.4million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOther clauses in the contract are based on appearance numbers and if Dortmund qualify for next season’s Champions League.With five games left to play, they sit fifth in the table and are level on points with RB Leipzig.Although the Bundesliga look set to earn a bonus spot in next year’s competition after England’s Uefa coefficient took a hit as Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham all crashed out of Europe this week. Dortmund reportedly paid £3m to secure the loan signing of Sancho.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSpeculation suggests both them and Man Utd are helping cover his £290,000-a-week salary.Sancho has not played for the Red Devils since September.Ten Hag claims there were ‘issues’ with Jadon Sancho BEFORE boss arrived at Man Utd and ‘all the way through’The exiled winger claimed he was made a “scapegoat” after being left out the squad for the trip to Arsenal.He has since refused to apologise to Ten Hag and been banned from training and all first-team facilities.But the door could now be open for his return after the boss said: “Of course, I follow international football and follow the players on loan at other clubs.“It was a fantastic game, Dortmund against Atletico Madrid.“It was a great performance from Dortmund and for Jadon it’s good news.“He made his contribution to the result for Dortmund.” More

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      Joao Cancelo reveals vile Instagram trolls want his unborn daughter to DIE after Barcelona’s Champions League exit

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      JOAO CANCELO has revealed sick trolls wished death on his unborn baby after Barcelona’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.The Spanish giants were dumped out of the Champions League by PSG this week 6-4 on aggregate.Joao Cancelo gave away a penalty in Barcelona’s defeat to PSGCredit: AFPHe revealed the sick abuse he received on Instagram afterwardsCredit: Directe 1Barcelona were leading 3-2 after the first leg and took the lead through Raphinha on Tuesday before disaster struck.Ronald Araujo was sent off on 29 minutes prior to Ousmane Dembele levelling against his old club.Portuguese international Cancelo, 29, then conceded a second-half penalty as PSG blew Barca away to win 4-1 on the night.Now the full-back, who is on a season-long loan at the LaLiga club, has revealed some of the vile abuse he received after giving away the penalty.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCancelo told ESPN: “People say all sorts. There are comments on Instagram wishing death upon my daughter who’s not even been born yet.“They would not say it to my face, because we would have a problem, but in the comments they write what they want.“They’re offensive to my partner, my daughter, our unborn baby. It’s a cruel world and you have to know how to live with it.“I know how to, but I just don’t know what to say anymore.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Wishing death upon a baby is really serious. People don’t think about the person behind the footballer they see on the television. We are humans, too. We are just the same.”Cancelo could still make his move to Barcelona from City permanent at the end of the campaign.Joao Cancelo in classy gesture as he refuses to step on Man City badge before Champions League return with Bayern Munich He has played 35 times so far this term, including nine starts in the Champions League, under Xavi.However, the Barca boss is leaving this summer after a frustrating season.He and his players will be hoping to salvage back some pride when they head to runaway LaLiga leaders Real Madrid for El Clasico on Sunday night.The reverse fixture ended with Jude Bellingham scoring a stunning last-ditch strike to earn Madrid a 2-1 win.And Uruguayan star Araujo admits they are desperate for payback, saying: “We have a chance at revenge.“Madrid is our biggest rival and we have to change our mentality. We will give everything on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We are very sorry [about the PSG game]. Obviously, we are all sad, the children, the families. But this is football, there is always revenge.“We are going to try again next season. I am convinced that this generation is going to win the Champions League.” More

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      Swansea star Sam Parker, 17, wanted by two Champions League giants as they battle Burnley for wonderkid transfer

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      SAM PARKER is wanted by PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig and Burnley.The Welsh teen star, 17, made his Swansea debut in the Championship away at Coventry last December.Swansea ace Sam Parker is targeted by RB Leipzig, PSV Eindhoven and BurnleyCredit: GettyParker, 17, has put together some impressive performances in the ChampionshipCredit: GettyHe made three first-team appearances at right wing-back – two in the league and the other in the FA Cup – before a hamstring injury curtailed his season.But Parker’s promise has alerted clubs both domestically and in Europe.And they have lodged their interest in the Wales Under-17 international.Dutch giants PSV have a track record of looking to develop British talent.Read More on FootballEindhoven helped improve Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.Parker is under contract with the Swans until the summer of 2026 after signing his first professional deal last August.The teenager, who turns 18 in July, has been with the Welsh club from Under-9level, and has since progressed through the ranks.Parker was also a member of the Wales squad that played in the European Under-17 Championships in Hungary in the summer of 2023.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPSV and Leipzig would be able to to offer the teenager Champions League football next season.Burnley, on the other hand, have found themselves in an intense relegation battle.Furious EFL star has to be held back from his OWN FANS by stewards as he demands ‘respect’ in angry post-match clashThe Clarets are 19th in the Premier League table with six points separating Vincent Kompany’s men from safety. More

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      Man City become fourth English team to be hit by Champions League curse which only Real Madrid have ever overcome

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S defeat to Real Madrid means they are the fourth English team who have failed to defend their Champions League crown.City won the competition for the first time in their history last year but suffered penalty shoot-out heartbreak against 14-time winners Real on Wednesday.Manchester City failed to defend their Champions League crown after losing to Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid are the only team to successfully defend the Champions LeagueCredit: APThe result means they have failed to defend their Champions League title – a curse that has affected every team except for Real Madrid.Incredibly, the Spanish giants won the tournament three years on the bounce between 2016-18 with a team featuring the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema.No team has been able to repeat the trick, with City failing despite being favourites.They have good company, however, including in England where Liverpool failed to back up their Champions League successes in 2005 and 2019 with another trophy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Reds suffered surprise exists to Benfica in 2006 and Atletico Madrid in 2020, though did make the final again in 2007 and 2022.While Manchester United could not repeat their 2008 triumph a year later, losing to Barcelona in the final the following season.Chelsea also proved inadequate when it came to defending their European crowns after tasting success in 2013 and 2021.While the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan have also experienced the curse despite winning the Champions League multiple times since it changed format in 1992.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReal Madrid are now favourites to claim the Big Ears trophy for a 15th time, though face Harry Kane and Bayern Munich for a place at Wembley.If they make it through that tie they will meet Paris Saint-Germain or Borussia Dortmund in the final.Real Madrid fan says ‘silent’ Man City supporters ‘don’t deserve this team’ and it should be ‘given to Man Utd’ More