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      Pep Guardiola in tears as Man City say goodbye to Kevin De Bruyne with emotional tributes after big win over Bournemouth

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE’S Etihad farewell ended with cheers, tears… and an eternal place in Manchester City history.Minutes after the end of KDB’s final home game, City revealed he will become the latest legend honoured with a statue at the stadium.Kevin De Bruyne waved goodbye to the Man City fans at Etihad StadiumCredit: PAFans honoured the Belgian with a huge bannerCredit: GettyPep Guardiola was in tears as De Bruyne said goodbye to the clubCredit: Sky SportsDe Bruyne was lifted into the air by his teammatesCredit: Shutterstock EditorialWife Michele Lacroix joined the Belgian on the fieldCredit: ReutersHe was embraced by Bernardo Silva at full-timeCredit: PADe Bruyne bid farewell with a lap of the EtihadCredit: PAHe was joined by his family and soaked up the applauseCredit: GettyDe Bruyne was given a guard of honour by his palsCredit: GettyCity unveiled a mosaic in his honourCredit: GettyIt was an emotional night for all involvedCredit: ReutersDe Bruyne leaves as one of City’s best-ever playersCredit: ReutersGuardiola shed tears as tributes were paid to De BruyneCredit: Sky SportsThe ace will now search for a new club as a free agentCredit: GettyHis legacy will never be forgotten by CityCredit: GettyAn emotional De Bruyne, 33, said: “It means I will always be here.”De Bruyne will become the seventh all-time great after Mike Summerbee, Francis Lee, Colin Bell, Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and David Silva.Chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak also unveiled a giant mosaic of KDB before the game and revealed he will also have a street named after him which links the academy to the first-team centre.But the midfield magician could not mark his goodbye with a goal against Bournemouth — and missed a sitter that he admitted son Mason will never let him forget.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDe Bruyne, also watched by wife Michele, youngest son Rome and daughter Suri, joked: “It was a terrible miss! There are no excuses. My son is going to be very hard on me.”City’s 3-1 win was incidental alongside De Bruyne’s send-off.His own personal post-match light show came after a guard of honour from the City team and was followed by video messages from former team-mates like Aguero, Kompany and one from his family that had even Pep Guardiola in tears.There were also gifts from the club presented by Dr John Bell, son of City superstar Colin, and his widow Marie.Most read in FootballDe Bruyne hit the crossbar inside the six-yard box to miss a golden opportunity for the perfect goodbyeCredit: GettyOmar Marmoush opened the scoring with a stunning long-range effortCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDe Bruyne, who has won 19 major honours, admitted: “I want to bring joy to people, play offensive football, be creative and have fun.“We had a lot of fun in these ten years and created something incredible to take this club better than where it was.How Crystal Palace outsmarted Man City in FA Cup final“It all feels a bit weird. It’s been an unbelievable ride, an absolute pleasure.“Who can have 50,00 people waiting to say goodbye? It’s indescribable and thank you very much.”Boss Guardiola added: “It’s a sad day, he will be missed.“A lovely day for him and delighted we achieved the victory which is of massive importance for the last step.“I’m pretty sure when Kevin arrived here he was not a Manchester City fan — but also now he will be for ever because of the connection between all the people and him.”But, while KDB fluffed his lines on his big night – but still ended up taking the plaudits.The Belgian maestro missed a first half sitter as he bowed out of his beloved Etihad by helping his team to one more vital win.It all feels a bit weird. It’s been an unbelievable ride, an absolute pleasure.Kevin de BruyneOmar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez got the goals which put City on the brink of a 15th straight season in the Champions League.But it was all about KDB on what was a night of red hair, red faces and two red cards.It was always going to be an emotional night as the City faithful said goodbye to one of their all-time favourites – yet amid it all there was an important game to win.Their dismal draw at Southampton 10 days ago left them needing four points from their last two matches to be sure of Champions League football next season.A home game with Bournemouth is normally a guaranteed win for Guardiola’s men – it was seven in a row against the Cherries before this.But these are not normal times for City as Saturday’s FA Cup final showed.So there was plenty riding on KDB’s 142nd and final home league appearance on what has become his playground over the last decade.Guardiola had said he hoped his players could use the emotion of the occasion to their advantage and in the early stages they did.Marmoush scored from distance to open the scoringCredit: APMateo Kovacic had already gone close when they took the lead in sensational fashion in the 14th minute.Omar Marmoush takes a pass from Gvardiol – advances from near his own half before unleashing a 30 yard stunner into the top corner.Kepa Arrizabalaga was on his line but had no chance as it kissed the top of the post on its way in.That was some way to make up the penalty miss at Wembley on Saturday – his eighth goal for the club was the best by some margin.Nobody can argue the Egyptian has perked up City since he arrived in January and his emergence will make the departure of KDB easier to swallow.De Bruyne almost provided one last assist for his old partner in crime Erling Haaland but for once the Norwegian could not apply the finishing touch.A lovely move down the left saw Marmoush slide the ball across goal but De Bruyne somehow failed to convert – hitting the bar from six yards out with the goal at his mercy.Guardiola had his head in his hands – so did De Bruyne’s family up in their box. Nobody could quite believe it.And for a while the party inside the stadium went a little flat – with the crowd stunned into silence.Bournemouth – who began the night still with an outside chance of claiming European football – almost took advantage.A cross from the left from Marcus Tavernier fell into the path of Evanilson but his shot beat his fellow Brazilian Ederson but thumped against the post.They got away with one and made the most of their reprieve.A cross from Mathens Nunes was only half cleared and Ilkay Gundogan turned the ball into the path of Bernardo Silva who turned in from close range.Bernardo Silva doubled City’s leadCredit: AFPIt was not dissimilar to his strike against Real Madrid here two years ago – and had City fans dreaming of more Champions League nights here.De Bruyne wasn’t involved but was probably the most relieved man in the stadium – as it felt like a proper send off again.The visitors had a lot to do in the second half if they were going to be party poopers but this City team give you chances.Antoine Semenyo weaved his way along the edge of the box before firing his shot narrowly over the bar.And their hopes of getting back into it were lifted when a terrible pass from Josko Gvardiol put Evanilson in on goal.Gvardiol’s fellow Croatian Kovacic pulled back the Brazilian and could have no complaints when Thomas Bramall pulled out the red card.It left Guardiola kicking his seat in the dug-out in frustration – and also ended KDB’s special night abruptly.He was replaced by defensive midfielder Nico as City had no option but to shore things up.The end had come a few minutes earlier than expected but needless to say he left the field to a huge – and richly deserved standing ovation.For years to come, he will be remembered as the club’s most successful player ever, having picked up 19 pieces of silverware in his glittering 10 year stay.The Cherries’ man advantage only lasted a couple of minutes as Lewis Cook jumped in wildly on the City sub near the half way line – and he followed Kovacic down the tunnel.De Bruyne’s send off was loud but the cheer which greeted the return of Rodri ran it close.The Ballon D’Or winner returned as a sub for Haaland with seven minutes to go – after eight months out with a cruciate ligament injury.They have missed him enormously while he has been rehabilitating – what a huge lift it will be to have him back.Read More on The SunYet it was one of the men bought to replace him – Nico – who capped things off, taking a pass from Nunes in his stride and curling home a beauty.A loose back pass from Nunes wrong-footed Ruben Dias and sub Daniel Jebbison’s effort just had enough on it to beat Ederson – but it was little more than a consolation.Mateo Kovacic was sent off for a pull-back on EvanilsonCredit: GettyLewis Cook saw red for a dangerous tackle on Nico GonzalezCredit: ReutersRodri made his return to action following his ACL injuryCredit: PANico Gonzalez scored Man City’s third goalCredit: GettyDaniel Jebbison bagged a consolation goal for BournemouthCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea files: Why Cole Palmer will get SMALLER bonus than Blues team-mates for Conference League win

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      MONEY TALKS and Chelsea is no different to any other Premier League club.The players will receive a bonus if they beat Real Betis next Wednesday and win the Conference League for the first time.Enzo Maresca leads his men into the Conference League final next weekCredit: ReutersCole Palmer will be available after sitting out the first portion of the tournamentCredit: PAThe payments have been set out on a sliding scale depending on appearances which means some of the top stars won’t be paid as much although they’ll hardly go hungry as a result.And as if we needed reminding of Chelsea’s priorities, if Champions League qualification is achieved at Nottingham Forest this Sunday then the players’ pay packets will be considerably more full.Cole Palmer was deliberately kept out of Chelsea’s Conference League squad for the first half of the campaign and so has made just five appearances in the competition this season.Keeper Filip Jorgensen, who has been confirmed as a starter in the final next week, has played 13 times in the tournament.DESPITE harbouring bigger ambitions than the Conference League, Chelsea fans are flocking to Poland in their thousands to lap up the final.The club’s official allocation of 12,300 tickets has been gobbled up.Blues supporters were understandably confident that their billion quid squad would reach the June 28 date in Wroclaw, so many booked hotels and flights weeks, sometimes months in advance.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt’s common practice in the travel industry and can mean saving a decent whack of money by getting in early.But as is the case in this horrible old world, some of those loyal punters who took a punt on Chelsea going all the way, are now coming unstuck. Chelsea star Cole Palmer admits he threw up in the pool on holiday and got his hand stuck in a Pringles tubeWe have heard numerous worrying reports that a number of fans are receiving emails from hotels in the city, claiming there has been a ‘technical’ or ‘admin’ error with their initial reservation.And yes, you guessed it, those issues mean the prices of their accommodation has increased – sometimes tripling the original room rate.Fans are reluctant to name the hotels but some are fighting back. One supporter, who booked eight rooms in a 3* hotel has been told the cost is now three times what it was.But the person involved has since found a 5* place that is cheaper! He is keeping the first hotel hanging on and will cancel last minute in the hope they end up losing out altogether.Unfortunately, there is little the club can do to help frustrated fans.Todd Boehly is a director on ticket resale site Vivid SeatsCredit: AlamyAND right on time, Uefa has chosen this week to publish its latest call for fans to avoid ‘unofficial’ ticket agencies as next week’s final draws closer.The directive reads: “UEFA warns fans not to purchase tickets on the secondary market, from unauthorised third parties, websites, agencies or from touts. “Such tickets may be cancelled by UEFA at any time and fans are likely to be refused entry or be ejected from the stadium. In addition, fans may not receive the tickets which they have purchased from these unauthorised third parties.”UEFA reminds fans that ticket sales to the general public and fans of the teams who have reached the UEFA club competition finals are carried out exclusively via UEFA.com.”All well and good but as we know, Chelsea’s own chairman Todd Boehly has his fingers buried deep in this pie with his stake in US ticket resale site Vivid Seats.Supporters are already on the club’s case over how so many fans of Swedish side Djurgarden were able to buy seats in the home end of Stamford Bridge for the Conference League semi-final second leg. Awkward.REECE James’ position at Chelsea was called into question last week, with Romeo Lavia back fit, Chelsea’s abundance of midfield options, and Moises Caicedo seeming to take up his spot in Enzo Maresca’s favourite starting XI.But the Blues’ captain showed that he’s not going anywhere vs Man Utd, back in the side at right-back and stealing the show with an incredible spin and cross to set up fellow full-back Marc Cucurella.Enzo Maresca said previously that he sees Reece as a midfielder, as he was used on loan at Wigan Athletic, rather than a marauding right-back as he has always been at Chelsea.Questions over James have never been over his ability, but his fitness, and against Manchester United he completed 90 minutes in the Premier League for only the second time since November 2024.What’s more, this season he’s played a part in 21 games since January, a consistent run for his side and is proving that he has a key part to play in this side.If he can keep this up, he can surely establish himself as one of the best in the world in his position once more and work his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England setup.His versatility in Maresca’s system could make him a key cog in this Chelsea machine, with his ability to be a danger out wide and in the middle allowing the Italian gaffer to remain unpredictable and adapt to different game states at different times.Reece is deserving of a start away to Nottingham Forest, a fixture in which he got the match-winning assist on the final day of last season.Chelsea ratings v Man UtdMOISES CAICEDO was named Chelsea’s player of the season last week, and wonderkid Kendry Paez is touted to be a star player for the Blues in seasons to come. Ecuadorian greatness could become a common theme at Stamford Bridge.Caicedo and Paez were both academy graduates of Independiente Del Valle in Ecuador, and this could be somewhere BlueCo continues to shop in the coming transfer windows.Independiente have also produced PSG star defender Willian Pacho, and invincible Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie, both of whom have previously been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.Moises Caicedo bagged the Blues’ player of the season awardCredit: PAEcuador was perhaps for too long a nation with heaps of untapped potential, with Brighton reaping the rewards of building a link with the South American nation, signing talents such as Pervis Estupinian, Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento.With Chelsea appointing Brighton’s transfer guru Sam Jewell last year, don’t be surprised to see The Blues do more summer shopping in Sangolquí in the upcoming window.WITH two games to go in Ligue 1, and having just beaten Paris St. Germain, BlueCo-owned Strasbourg looked destined for European football, with a dream of playing in the Champions League very much alive.However, Chelsea’s sister club went and bottled it.After the PSG match, they took on Angers and Le Havre, the teams who finished just outside of the relegation zone in 14th and 15th place, and lost both…That means the French side finished 7th place in Ligue 1, outside of any European spot, including the Conference League, which Chelsea may be about to win.And it hasn’t gone unnoticed by sceptical Blues fans amid all sorts of conspiracy theories.Were Strasbourg to end up in the same competition as Chelsea then it could massively affect this summer’s transfer market with trading between the two BlueCo stablemates banned.Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior was left stunned as his side lost crucial back-to-back gamesCredit: AFPGiven Chelsea could virtually fill Stamford Bridge with the amount of young players they have sent to Strasbourg on loan that would be a bit of an issue.Of course, it’s all just cynical, light-hearted and nobody really thinks it’s an intra-club carve up.And Liam Rosenior’s men DO still have a chance to play in Europe next campaign.If PSG can get the better of Reims in the Coupe De France final on Saturday, then Lyon (who finished in 6th will be upgraded from a Conference League play-off spot and into the Europa League, meaning Strasbourg will take their place in the play-offs.Last time the two sides met, they shared a point each, but with PSG on the cusp of a potential treble they will surely not take this game lightly.REAL BETIS against Chelsea is a reunion of sorts.The two clubs met in the last eight of the now-defunct Cup Winners Cup in 1998.Chelsea won 3-1 with Blues legend Gianfranco Zola having the last word. The team sheet is a historian’s dream: Ed de Goey in goal, Dennis Wise in midfield along with Roberto di Matteo – he would later achieve the ultimate and win Chelsea’s first Champions League trophy as manager in 2012 – and was sacked the following November. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘receives blockbuster transfer offer to leave Al-Nassr and play in Club World Cup’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has reportedly received a mega offer from an unnamed Brazilian club ahead of the Club World Cup.The Manchester United legend’s record-breaking £164million-a-year contract at Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr expires this summer.Ronaldo’s Al Nassr contract ends this summerRonaldo, 40, is in third season in the Saudi Pro League but has missed out on the league title so far.It was Al-Ittihad – with the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho – who were crowned champions after their 3-1 win last week.And Ronaldo’s extension talks have been delayed after Al Nassr failed to qualify for the Asian Champions League next season.But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been offered a way out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to Spanish outlet Marca, Ronaldo has been approached by a Brazilian club playing in this summer’s Club World Cup.While the club in question has not been named, Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo are the four Brazilian teams competing in the tournament that begins next month.If it were to be Palmeiras, it would set up a reunion against career rival Lionel Messi.Palmeiras are in a Club World Cup group with Messi’s Inter Miami, Porto and Egyptian club Al Ahly.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s a competition Ronaldo is extremely familiar with, having lifted the trophy a whopping four times in his legendary career.He won it for the first time with Man Utd in 2008 when the Premier League giants defeated LDU Quito 1-0 in the final, with Wayne Rooney scoring the winning goal.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and copies iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watchingThe striker captured it a further three times with Real Madrid, scoring a hat-trick in the 2016 final against Kashima Antlers in a 4-2 win.The 2025 Club World Cup begins in the United States on June 15 and will run for just less than a month until July 13.Chelsea and Manchester City are the Prem teams taking part, while Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are featuring too.The winner will take home a whopping amount of prize money that is nearly $100m (£75m). More

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      Arsenal vs Barcelona – Women’s Champions League 2025 final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream

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      ARSENAL and Barcelona meet in a monumental Women’s Champions League final in Lisbon!The Gunners reached the big one after overturning their first-leg deficit to batter Olympique Lyonnais 4-1 in the second leg.Arsenal fought back to down Olympique Lyonnais in the semi-finalsCredit: GettyBarcelona battered Chelsea 8-2 on aggregateCredit: GettyWhile Barcelona THRASHED treble-winning Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in their semi-final.The Gunners were last in the final for Europe’s biggest prize 18 years ago – when they beat Swedish side Umea in a two-legged playoff with Alex Scott scoring the only goal of the tie.Arsenal face a tough test in Barcelona, who are aiming to win the Champions League for the third year in a row.Barca’s back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati said she’s “surprised” the Gunners have made it to the final, but did say it was deserved.Spain ace Bonmati said: “For me, it was a surprise Arsenal reaching the final.”They absolutely deserve it, because scoring four goals against Lyon in the second leg is not easy at all.”I congratulate them for that because I think it was a big surprise, but a well deserved one.”BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhen is Arsenal vs Barcelona?Arsenal vs Barcelona takes place on Saturday, May 24.Most read in Champions LeagueThe match kicks off at 5pm BST.Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade plays host.What TV channel and live stream is Arsenal vs Barcelona on?Arsenal vs Barcelona will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN in the UK.TNT and DAZN’s coverage gets underway an hour before at 4pm.DAZN will also be showing the game for FREE on their YouTube channel.What have they said?Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers: “We respect them highly as a team. “They’re very intelligent players, all of them, and technically capable, so it’s going to be a new challenge. I think that it’s a challenge that we haven’t faced yet in the league or in the Champions League.”We’re going to try to replicate as many moments as possible in training and in meetings and prepare the players for everything that’s going to come. “But even the pressure and the day of the final and all the aspects of it, we’re going to try and prepare for. But I think when the moment is there, it’s going to be so special.” More

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      Patrice Evra’s sister dies aged 56 after 20-year cancer battle with Man Utd legend to miss Europa League final

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      PATRICE EVRA will miss the Europa League final to attend his sister’s funeral.Evra’s beloved Manchester United will bid to secure Champions League qualification with victory over their Premier League rivals Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday night. Manchester United legend Patrice Evra will miss the Europa League finalCredit: REUTERSThe Frenchman will miss the match in Bilbao following the death of his sister, who had battled cancer for 20 yearsCredit: APEvra announced the passing of his late sister on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@PATRICE.EVRAEvra, 44, was set to be in attendance in Bilbao but will miss the match due to the death of his sister, who recently lost her 20-year battle with cancer. The Frenchman said: “Hi guys. I was supposed to come to Bilbao tomorrow for the final in person to show you support, sharing my positive energy. “But unfortunately, I have to go to Paris for the funeral of my sister on the same day as the final. “She was 56, fighting against the cancer for 20 years.”A heartbroken Evera, who was one of 23 siblings, then urged Ruben Amorim’s troops to show the same strength his late sister showed to end their dismal season on a high.He continued: “Resilience, fighting. That’s what I want from you guys tomorrow. Just fight, bleed for this shirt. “For the fans, for the staff, for the people in Manchester, for the fans all around the world, there is no excuse. This is your duty tomorrow. “I think your coach is someone I support, someone I believe in. Even if we win or we lose, give something guys.Most read in FootballPatrice Evra issued a rallying cry to Ruben Amorim’s troops after revealing his bereavementCredit: INSTAGRAM@PATICE.EVRA”It’s gonna be a tough game. Tottenham also has a lot to lose. “They are in the same position in the league like us.Patrice Evra gives update on MMA debut and reveals Luis Suarez’s response to fight challenge”They didn’t win a trophy, so this is a massive chance for them. But this is no excuse. We are Man United.”Do you know how many fans gonna travel around the world and believe they’re gonna celebrate after the game because they believe in you guys, no matter what.”Because we can do it guys. So like I say, bleed for this shirt, the history. “Think about the people, your family or whatever, there is no way other than to win.”Don’t be selfish. It’s a qualification in the Champions League, so we can prepare for the future next year. “So guys, you know, I will be far away. I’m counting on you.”Unfortunately, I have to go to Paris for the funeral of my sister on the same day as the final.”Patrice Evra on InstagramEvra receives scores of condolences after announcing his bereavement.One of his followers wrote: “So sorry for your loss.”Another said: “So sorry for your loss, Patrice. Sending you and yours lots of love and prayers!”And another said: “My deepest condolences.”Read More on The SunOne remarked: “Sorry for your loss, legend.”Another chimed in: “Sorry for your loss, unc Pat.” More

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      Man Utd & Spurs fans get Europa League final party started in Basque city Bilbao after mad dash on planes & 35hr ferries

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      AMPED-UP Brits have kicked off the party in Spain ahead of tomorrow’s stellar Tottenham vs Manchester United Europa League final.Up to 70,000 footie fans have flocked from the UK to sunny Bilbao where spirits are high and the cerveza is flowing.Brits are wasting no time in getting down to business in BilbaoCredit: APMan U fans were pictured enjoying a beverage or two under the Spanish sunCredit: EPASquares are crammed with singing Man U & Spurs supportersCredit: EPABrits are letting off steam after making the trip across EuropeCredit: EPASome are braving an epic 32-hour-plus ferry ride which set sail at 10pm on Sunday evening and won’t arrive until 8am on Tuesday morning.With flights to Spain rocketing over £1,000 after the Prem teams sealed their final spots, many took advantage of the cheaper sea-route option, which set them back £260 for a cabin.The sky-high air prices are due to just six direct flights from Britain to the Basque region’s industrial port city each day.And with only 65 hotels in Spain’s tenth largest city, accommodation has been fully-booked for weeks.read more football news Each club has millions of fans across the globe, but since there are just 14,000 tickets allocated to each team, bagging a seat to the showpiece event has been a tricky task.Last night, precious tickets to the big game were selling on the black market for up to £10,000.EasyJet was charging £1,823 to fly from Gatwick to Bilbao on Wednesday morning and return on Thursday morning, while the cheapest hotels for Wednesday night cost around £1,200.But for those fans who managed to snap up the golden tickets, footage has shown them enjoying themselves. Most read in FootballA Bilbao bar was flooded with Brit fans chanting and drinking ahead of the anticipated final.Spurs fans were also seen welcoming the team bus as it arrived in the city one day before the clash.EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd, Spurs and ARSENAL fans take epic 32-hour ‘bucket list’ ferry trip to Bilbao for Europa League finalFootage taken by The Sun showed fans arriving to fill the streets of Bilbao about 40 hours before kick-off.Despite dismal Premier League seasons – United finishing 16th in the table and Spurs in 17th, perilously close to the relegation zone – die-hard supporters were emptying their bank accounts and flocking to Bilbao.Aside from European glory, the victorious team qualifies for next season’s cash-riddled Champions League, worth a cool £100m to the club lifting the prized trophy.The travel chaos endured by thousands of footie fans has mirrored the 1987 American road trip comedy movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles starring Steve Martin and John Candy.Spurs fans put their weight behind their chantsManchester United fans have come from all over the globe for the huge European finalCredit: ReutersBrit footy fans throwing some shapes in a Bilbao barSpurs fan John Affleck of Enfield, Herts., was today enjoying local delicacy pintxos – snacks on a slice of bread resembling an open sandwich – washed down with Sangria.He told The Sun: “I flew to Madrid then got the train down. There are no hotel rooms so I’m bunking up with a pal on his hotel floor. “The trip will cost me more than £5,000. I’m broke, but I really don’t care. We just need to win.”Footie fanatics get the party started earlyBy Sun man in Bilbao, Dave CourtnadgeIT’S barely midday in Bilbao on the day before the Europa League final between Manchester United and Spurs – but it’s already getting lively.I arrived in the city at about 9am after a 32-HOUR ferry ride from Portsmouth.And the first thing a lot of fellow fans planned to do was find a pub for a well-earned drink.Walking around the area around the San Mames stadium this morning, a fair few others had the same idea.Many have had long journeys, stopping off overnight in another city to keep down the soaring cost of getting here, with some direct flights over £1,000.So it’s no surprise many are already getiing the party started, or the Bilbao leg of the party anyway.Spurs fan Gary, who flew out from London before an overnight stay in a Madrid hotel resembling a “prison cell”, joked as he supped a pint in the sun: “I’m just getting some practice in for tomorrow.”The atmosphere has been brilliant so far, and hopefully that will continue.There had been claims that Spurs fans are set to outnumber United fans by 5 to 1, with an estimated 50,000 supporters of the two English sides expected to arrive.One Tottenham follower I spoke to joked that they had bought all the flights out of London to keep the Reds out.Based on the number of Spurs shirts I’ve already seen, he might be right.Frank Johns, a Red Devils season ticket holder, jetted out yesterday from Heathrow via Schiphol in Amsterdam. He said: “It has been a pitiful season but none of that will matter if we lift the trophy.”Under-fire Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou face the chop if they don’t prevail in the final – cruelly dubbed “El Crapico” by rival fans and pundits.Amorim masterminded Manchester United’s 7-1 semi-final demolition of ten-man Athletic Bilbao. A person walks in a fan zone ahead of the Europa League finalCredit: ReutersManchester United fans pose as they arrive at Santander airportCredit: ReutersPeople pose with tickets wanted signs in Bilbao ahead of the finalCredit: ReutersMan Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clashAnd Postecoglou guided his Tottenham team to a 5-1 triumph over Norwegians Bodo/Glimt in the other to set up the all-English final.A row over the winning side’s qualification to the Champions League, and the mega money windfall it brings in TV and advertising revenues, has been stoked by Arsene Wenger – ex-boss of Spurs’ rivals Arsenal.The dour Frenchman believes neither the Red Devils or Spurs should be allowed to compete in the top tier European trophy. Uefa changed its rules in 2014 to allow the winners of the Europa League to qualify for the Champions League – but Wenger believes this is “not right”. The ex-Gunners boss said: “No. They should qualify automatically for the Europa League but not necessarily for the Champions League.”Since the rebranding of the Europa League, Uefa’s second biggest continental club competition, in 2009-10, no team lower than 12th has reached the final or won it. Sevilla, 12th in La Liga, lifted the trophy in 2023 while Fulham, who also finished 12th in the Prem in the 2009-10 campaign, lost the final to Atletico Madrid in 2010.Wenger departed Arsenal in 2018 before being appointed FIFA’s head of global football development a year later. He has proposed a raft of controversial changes, including tweaks to the offside rule and a biennial World Cup.The United-Spurs final is the fifth all-English European showpiece.Life on board a ferry headed to BilbaoBy Dave CourtnadgeI HAD no idea what to expect after booking a 32-hour ferry trip from Portsmouth to Bilbao to see Manchester United hopefully beat Spurs in Wednesday’s Europa League final.I’d also read reviews of the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry ride, calling it “one of the most serene ways to travel to the Continent”.I’d heard the BBC podcast on Man Utd and West Ham fans having a full-blown riot on a boat trip to Holland in the 1980s.The reality of my trip so far, thankfully, is nothing like either of those.The atmosphere has been absolutely brilliant, with fans of both clubs mixing in the pub long before the 10pm departure, and in the ferry bar long after last orders at midnight.There’s even an Arsenal fan out here hoping to see Spurs lose too.I enjoyed a few in the beer garden of the Ship and Castle near the ferry port on the sunny Sunday before we took off.I’d be talking to some fans about the mad boat trip ahead and plans for Bilbao for 10 minutes before we’d establish who one another supported.There’s still good banter about both sides’ abysmal seasons, but with a lot of the chat being about who is actually worse, not better.Plenty of Murphy’s and some classic cabaret just added to the holiday mood once we were on board.We ramped up the booze cruise vibes at about 1am by venturing out on to the top deck (I was pretty amazed they left the doors unlocked considering the clientele on board).But after convincing one particularly drunk shipmate that he’d be in serious trouble if he jumped in the sea, I thought it safer to head back inside.After another nightcap I returned to my four-man cabin which thankfully I have all to myself.Because my cabin is in the middle of the boat it’s pitch black. That, coupled with not being disturbed half-way through the night by my two young kids, meant I slept like a baby.As for sea-sickness, there’s not so much a gentle rocking of the waves but rather a weird constant jolty sensation like you get when you start a car that has left me a bit wobbly.I’m sure it’s nothng to do with all that Murphy’s anyway.I’ve at least managed to hold down my breakfast, which I ate surrounded by the normal holidaymakers, not football fans, who make up about half of the passengers on board.Not surprisingly, most of the supporters were still in bed at that point, but I’m sure I’ll catch them in the bar later for the quiz and more cabaret.Chants of “Keano, Keano…” from down the corridor suggests some are now starting to rise.As for me, it’s time to check out that top deck again…Tottenham were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League final, while Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 in the Europa League final in the same year.United beat Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final and Spurs KO’d Wolves to win the 1972 Uefa Cup.Tottenham have already beaten the Manchester outfit on three occasions this season – twice in the league and once in the Carabao Cup. Read More on The SunThey are looking to end a trophy drought that dates back to 2008 and has hung over the club – to the delight of opposing fans.United meanwhile have continued to be dire in the Prem with Amorim claiming his side are “not ready” to be competitive domestically and in the Champions League.Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim are both desperate to salvage their seasonsCredit: GettyGeneral view of match signage as fans pour inCredit: GettySignage seen in Bilbao ahead of the Europa League finalCredit: ReutersMan Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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      Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher reveal their XI of the season live on Sky Sports but can only agree on five players

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      GARY NEVILLE and Jamie Carragher waved goodbye to the Premier League season by rowing over their 2025 team of the year. The Sky Sports pundits could only agree on FIVE players on Monday Night Football, with host Dave Jones forced to play peacekeeper.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have named their teams of the seasonAhead of the final day, Neville and Carragher gave out their end of season awards, as well as their teams of this campaign.The pundits agreed on five players in their sides, which were listed in 4-3-3 formations –  and that not one single member of Manchester United’s or Manchester City’s squads made the cut.One of those players was Daniel Munoz at right back – who Carragher hailed as “outstanding” and ideal for Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 set up.Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest’s Nikola Milenkovic got the nod in defence alongside Liverpool’s title-winning captain Virgil van Dijk.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile there were no agreements in midfield, both had Mohamed Salah on the right of attack and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak leading the line. Neville went first with the remaining players, picking Matz Sels in goal, after his “special” Nottingham Forest season. He picked out Liverpool target Milos Kerkez at left back, accepting that the Reds are likely to buy him, and Bryan Mbeumo at left wing.The Man Utd legend’s midfield trio was made up of Youri Tielemans, Bruno Guimaraes and Ryan Gravenberch. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCarragher also chose a Magpies midfielder, but picked out one of Guimaraes’ partners in Sandro Tonali, who has been a mainstay in a holding role in Newcastle’s Champions League push.The handbags came out when Carragher named Morgan Gibbs-White on the left and Myles Lewis-Skelly as that sided full back.Gary Neville reveals fear with Liverpool to become most successful English team everCarragher couldn’t believe that Neville ignored Lewis-Skelly from his XI, after naming the Arsenal teenager as the Young Player of the Year.Defending his Gibbs-White inclusion, Carragher said: “The league is missing a world class left winger.”Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz are not Sadio Mane or Eden Hazard. He could play there. Pep Guardiola likes him and that will do for me.”Neville also gave Arne Slot the best newcomer award, but voted for Nuno Espirito Santo as the manager of the season.With Liverpool wrapping up the title two weeks ago, the final Champions League places are all that’s left to play for.Arsenal secured their place in Europe’s elite competition with a 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday.Read More on The SunThat leaves the Magpies, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Man City and Forest to battle it out for the remaining three positions on the final day.Meanwhile, Man Utd got the vote from both pundits as the biggest underachievers of the season, with Neville saying that winning the Europa League would be a “silver lining in a dark cloud”. More

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      ‘A very beautiful career is over’ – Liverpool legend retires aged 42 and announces next job

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      FORMER Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has announced his retirement from professional football.The 42-year-old, who currently plays for Como, will hang up his gloves for good following the club’s final match of the season against Inter Milan on Friday.Pepe Reina has announced his retirementCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper will hang up his gloves this weekCredit: GettyAnnouncing the news in a chat with Movistar+ this week, Reina said: “A very beautiful career is coming to an end, a very full life.”I feel very fortunate for what I’ve experienced. “It’s been many years… I didn’t expect it, but I think the time has come and I feel like bringing it to a close here.”Reina went on to reveal when he made the decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe continued: “I decided to quit last January. I spoke with my wife, and we decided together.”The satisfaction is that now I want it to end. Last summer there was a moment when I had a hard time, because I couldn’t find a project that excited me and I had that little thorn in my side.”I had more to offer and this year has been the one that has made me see that I am now empty, in the sense that I can no longer offer more to football from this position.”The Spaniard went on to add: “I am very fortunate. It has been a privilege.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Now you don’t value it so much, but when I look back we will continue to be one of the leading teams in history, I have been very lucky. I’ve shared a dressing room with some great people.”Reina kicked his professional playing career off in 1999 with Barcelona’s C team.The goalkeeper made almost 400 appearances for LiverpoolCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesHe then went on to make his first team debut the following year and appeared 49 times for the La Liga giants.The goalkeeper moved on to Villarreal in 2002 and spent three years with the Spanish side, helping them qualify for the Champions League for the first time.From there, he then went on to join Liverpool and established himself as a club legend.Reina made 394 appearances for the Reds, kept 177 clean sheets and won the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Supercup, narrowly missing out on the Champions League following a defeat to AC Milan in the 2006-07 final.A one-year stint at Bayern Munich followed his time in Merseyside and after that he joined Napoli.He went on to play for AC Milan, Lazio and enjoyed a loan spell with Aston Villa before making a return to Villarreal in 2022.But last year he decided to join former Spain team-mate Cesc Fabregas at Como.The goalkeeper has been limited to 12 appearances this season.Reina also enjoyed a successful international career with Spain.He was capped 36 times by La Roja and won the World Cup along with two European Championship titles.Read More on The SunAfter hanging up his gloves, Reina is set to return to Villarreal to become a coach.The goalkeeper is in line to take charge of the club’s Under-19s.Reina won the World Cup with Spain in 2010Credit: Reuters More