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      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand so stunned at Jude Bellingham’s appearance up close his voice breaks live on TV

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      RIO FERDINAND was so stunned by Jude Bellingham that his voice broke live on TV.The former Manchester United man, 44, formed part of BT Sport’s punditry team for Chelsea’s crucial Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
      Jude Bellingham almost left Rio Ferdinand speechless ahead of kick-off at Stamford BridgeCredit: Alamy
      The ex-Man Utd defender got a glimpse of the midfielder up closeCredit: Rex
      And as they discussed the match pitch-side, 6ft 3ins Ferdinand could not believe 6ft 1in Bellingham’s stature up close in the flesh.
      Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves were outlining Borussia Dortmund’s strengths ahead of the delayed kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
      And Ferdinand eulogised over the physical prowess of the England man.
      The ex-Red Devils defender – who had a shocker with the BT iPad in the cold – said: “I’ve just seen the size of Jude Bellingham close up.
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      “I mean I’ve seen him up on TV a few times, this is the closest I’ve seen him.
      “He’s a giant!”
      And the defender’s voice even appeared to break with excitement as the camera panned over the players warming up.
      Hargreaves also heaped praise on the ex-Birmingham kid, adding: “Everybody loves Jude, he’s such diamond.
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      “This is a huge stage for him, he gets better the bigger the game.”
      Bellingham has developed into a key player for club and country in recent years.
      He is set to be at the centre of a mega transfer tug-of-war in the summer.
      Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and tonight’s opponents Chelsea all desperately want to land the midfielder, who could cost as much as £135million.
      But it appears Los Blancos have the edge as things stand – with Bellingham’s dad reportedly holding talks with the Spanish club.
      It was suggested Real’s director of international football Juni Calafat met – who is responsibly for signing young players around the world – met with Mark Bellingham at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel just hours before the Champions League second leg. More

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      Dortmund fans storm Stamford Bridge barriers before Chelsea clash as thousands march through streets of London

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      DORTMUND fans stormed barriers to get into Stamford Bridge ahead of their delayed clash with Chelsea.The Blues trail 1-0 down from the first leg against the German giants in the Champions League last-16 tie.
      Thousands of fans marched to Stamford Bridge amid a heavy police presenceCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Dortmund supporters stormed security cordons at Stamford BridgeCredit: Rex
      Blue flares were let off as cops struggled to hold back the crowds outsideCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

      But victory over Leeds at the weekend sees Graham Potter and his side head into tonight’s second leg with renewed confidence.
      However, the match was DELAYED by ten minutes following the late arrival of the German giants.
      They turned up nearly 30 minutes late due to major congestion around Stamford Bridge, which was in part caused by thousands of fans of both teams walking through the streets of West London.
      Dortmund’s late arrival left them with less than an hour to prepare for the second leg of the tie – which was delayed by ten minutes.
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      Supporters were spotted “scrambling over the barriers outside the ground in chaotic scenes” prior to the match.
      And an unknown number appear to have gained entry into the stadium without a ticket.
      Manager Edin Terezic said of his side’s later arrival: “We had a bit of a delay but we are here and ready to fight for the next round.
      “We didn’t know if we would start on time or if there will be a delay to kick off, it is disturbing a lot.”
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      The Chelsea team received a warm welcome as home fans let off a blue flare to welcome the team coach to Stamford Bridge.
      However, Dortmund are also set to have a huge backing and the capital has already seen them take over.
      The thousands of travelling supporters, led by cops, marched through the streets of London towards the ground before kick off as they performed renditions of their favourite anthems.
      However, tensions began to mount outside the stadium according to those on the scene as they were held by police before later it emerged a number had stormed the cordons.
      Journalist Matt Pearson tweeted a photo of the jam-packed streets and wrote: “Thousands of Borussia Dortmund fans being held behind a police cordon ahead of #CHEBVB.
      “Couple of little skirmishes, it’s been a long wait.”
      Meanwhile, Potter has made two changes for the showdown.
      Reece James returns at right-wing back in place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
      And Marc Cucurella is starting at left-centre back in place of Benoit Badiashile.
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      For Dortmund, Raphael Guerreiro comes in for Julian Ryerson at left-wing back.
      Otherwise, BVB are unchanged following their 2-1 win against RB Leipzig with England star Jude Bellingham starting in midfield for them.
      Thousands of supporters lined the streets of West LondonCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Chelsea vs Dortmund DELAYED just minutes before kick-off with fans made to wait for huge Champions League clash

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      CHELSEA’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund has been DELAYED following the late arrival of the German giants.The west Londoners welcome the Bundesliga big boys to Stamford Bridge tonight for the second leg of their last 16-tie.
      Borussia Dortmund’s team bus was late arriving at Stamford BridgeCredit: GETTY
      The delay was in part caused by congestion due to thousands of fans taking to the streetsCredit: REUTERS
      Dortmund were initially held off by a police cordonCredit: REUTERS
      Kick-off was due to take place at 8pm, but the late arrival of the Dortmund bus has scuppered that.
      The Germans turned up nearly 30 minutes late due to major congestion around Stamford Bridge, which was in part caused by thousands of fans of both teams walking through the streets of west London.
      Dortmund’s late arrival left them with less than an hour to prepare for the second leg of the tie – which has been delayed by ten minutes.
      Manager Edin Terezic said of his side’s later arrival: “We had a bit of a delay but we are here and ready to fight for the next round.
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      ” We didn’t know if we would start on time or if there will be a delay to kick off, it is disturbing a lot.”
      Thousands of loyal Dortmund fans descended on London for tonight’s match.
      But they were made to wait in a police cordon before entering the stadium.
      According to reports, there were a “few skirmishes” – but there have been no major incidents.
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      Bundesliga big boys Dortmund ran out 1-0 winners in the first leg of the tie last month thanks to a superb solo goal from Karim Adeyemi.
      Under-pressure Blues boss Graham Potter said: “We have to play welll, be positive.
      “It’s a special occasion for us to try to get into the last eight of the Champions League.
      “We’ve had some games where we could’ve scored more than one and we need that performance tomorrow night.
      “We’re playing against a top team, a team that is in a good place with the wins they’ve had.
      “The boys are in a good place and are motivated. We want to give it our best.”
      He added: “I agree it’s a big game, an exciting game, a chance to go through to the last eight of the Champions League.
      “It’ll be a special night. Our thoughts are on being positive and trying to win the game.” More

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      Mauricio Pochettino ‘wants emotional Tottenham return in summer’ but former manager could spark internal power struggle

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO allegedly “wants a nostalgic return” to Tottenham if Antonio Conte departs at the end of the season.The Argentine, who we revealed has eyes on the Chelsea job, has been out of work since being axed by French giants Paris Saint-Germain in July.
      Mauricio Pochettino ‘wants to return to Tottenham’ this summerCredit: AFP
      The 51-year-old former Southampton manager enjoyed a memorable five-year spell at Spurs and guided them to the Champions League final in 2019.
      Despite that, he was still axed the following November but is believed to have “remained on good terms” with chairman Daniel Levy.
      Now The Times says that Pochettino “is among the names being considered by Tottenham to replace Conte” as the Italian “is increasingly likely to return to Italy at — or before — the end of the season”.
      Since the South American’s departure, Spurs fans have been forced to watch three successive coaches that deploy a more pragmatic style of football.
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      But Poch, who still lives in Hertfordshire, “would change that” and he “also has a strong bond” still with supporters.
      However, the report adds that what “is less clear is whether Levy would swallow his pride” and also if managing director Fabio Paratici would want Pochettino remains in doubt “as it would provoke an internal power struggle and potential conflict over the tactical system”. 
      Paratici has brought in managers that prefer to play with wing-backs while Pochettino usually deploys a back four.
      Poch, who won Ligue 1 with PSG last season, turned down an approach by Aston Villa for a swift return to football last year.
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      And he has also thrown his hat into the ring to become England manager after Gareth Southgate.
      Spurs sacked Poch was sacked by Tottenham after five-and-a-half years in charge back in November 2019.
      Despite not winning a trophy for Spurs, he guided the club to four consecutive Champions League finishes.
      Prior to his arrival, Spurs had finished in the top four in just two of their previous 22 seasons in the Premier League.
      He also took the club to the Champions League final in 2019, but Liverpool prevailed as they won 2-0.
      After replacing Tim Sherwood in 2014, Poch took charge of 293 games, winning 159, losing 72 and drawing on 62 occasions. More

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      Dortmund stars train in Central London ahead of Chelsea clash as Bellingham and co looking to hand killer blow to Potter

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND trained on a hired pitch in Central London just hours before their huge Champions League clash with Chelsea on Tuesday evening.The Bundesliga giants take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of their last-16 tie following Karim Adeyemi’s superb solo strike in Germany three weeks ago.
      Jude Bellingham, right, getting off the Borussia Dortmund bus in LondonCredit: Getty
      They are preparing for their Champions League last-16 clash with Chelsea by training surrounded by skyscrapersCredit: Getty
      Dortmund took to the Shoreditch field for some pre-game preparationCredit: Getty
      The Bundesliga giants are on a superb run of formCredit: Getty
      And Edin Terzic’s men trained at Stamford Bridge on Monday as they got a feel for the Blues’ stadium.
      But then on Tuesday, on the morning of their huge European match, they were seen taking part in a light session at the Artillery Ground in Islington.
      The private residence is owned by the Honourable Artillery Company – associated with the oldest regiment of the British Army.
      Located near Old Street station, the venue can be booked by the public.
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      Emre Can was another Dortmund star returning to play in EnglandCredit: Getty
      Sebastien Haller offered a fist bump at trainingCredit: Getty
      Dortmund stars Jude Bellingham, Marco Reus and Sebastian Haller were are present for the session less than 12 hours before the mammoth game.
      And this is not the first time Dortmund have had a training session on a public pitch in London.
      Under Jurgen Klopp back in 2014, they trained in Regent’s Park ahead of a Champions League group-stage clash with Arsenal.
      The pitch they opted to use regularly the homes amateur teams in the Camden and Regent’s Park Sunday league.
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      On that occasion, the Germans went down 2-0 at the Emirates.
      But they will be hoping for an improved result at Stamford Bridge as they bid to book their place in the quarter-finals.
      Dortmund have won 10 games in a row in all competitions since returning from the World Cup break.
      Their sensational form has seen them move level on points with Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table.
      Marco Reus is now joint-second in Dortmund’s all-time top scorers listCredit: Getty
      Dortmund take a 1-0 lead into the second leg on Tuesday eveningCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool fans to have Champions League final tickets refunded by Uefa – costing them £3m – after chaos

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      NEARLY 20,000 Liverpool fans caught up in the Champions League Final chaos will have their ticket money refunded by Uefa.Uefa bosses have accepted “primary responsibility” for a “near-catastrophe” before the game at the Stade de France.
      Uefa have finally taken responsibility for the chaotic scenes for the finalCredit: AFP
      And in an unprecedented move, European football chiefs announced they will refund ticket money to the 19,618 Liverpool fans who bought tickets through the club’s official allocation.
      Thousands of Liverpool fans were kettled outside the ground after arriving on the Paris Metro system.
      The security measures meant many Liverpool fans were outside for hours and failed to get in for the start of the game.
      Riot police then used tear-gas, adding to the distress of fans, while some external gates were opened to allow mobs of locals to attack queueing supporters.
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      Initial attempts to blame Liverpool fans for using fake tickets were destroyed by the factual evidence with Uefa’s report pinning the blame on the European governing body and French and stadium authorities.
      The move, described as a “special refund scheme for fans who were most affected” by the shambolic and dangerous actions instigated by French police, will cost Uefa around £3m.
      Uefa explained: “Refunds will be available to all fans with tickets for gates A, B, C, X, Y and Z, where the most difficult circumstances were reported.
      “In addition, all fans who according to the access control data did not enter the stadium before 9pm (the originally scheduled kick-off time), or who were not able to enter the stadium at all, will be eligible for a refund.
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      “Finally, Uefa will offer refunds to all fans who purchased accessibility tickets along with those of their accompanying persons.”
      Liverpool have agreed to take charge of the reimbursement scheme with Uefa forwarding the total ticket value for the club to distribute according to the prices paid.
      A separate scheme will also allow some Real Madrid supporters – many of whom were caught up in the tear-gassing and then attacked by marauding gangs of local thugs – to reclaim their entry price.
      Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis said: “We have taken into account a huge number of views expressed both publicly and privately and believe we have devised a scheme that is comprehensive and fair.
      “We value the input from the Liverpool FC supporter organisations Spirit of Shankly (SoS) and Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association (LDSA) as well as the open and transparent dialogue throughout this period.
      “We recognise the negative experiences of those supporters on the day and with this scheme we will refund fans who had bought tickets and who were the most affected by the difficulties in accessing the stadium.” More

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      Chelsea stars facing huge financial hits if club don’t make Champions League this season with Felix’s future up in air

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      CHELSEA players are facing a hit to their own pockets if they fail to fight their way into the next season’s Champions League. The stakes could hardly be higher before tonight’s second-leg clash with Borussia Dortmund, with the future of star player Joao Felix also potentially dependent on the game.
      Felix has scored once, been sent off once and hit the bar twice in his six Chelsea appearances
      There are big financial drawbacks for clubs who fail to qualify for Europe’s premier competition.
      And the Telegraph report that there could be individual hits for many of Chelsea’s stars as well.
      Many of the players who have signed for the Blues since last year’s Todd Boehly-led takeover are believed to have Champions League clauses in their contract.
      This means they will reportedly face a 25 per cent reduction in their wages if the Blues fail to make it into the Champions League.
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      If this is the case, it represents a big change from the Roman Abramovich era.
      Player salaries did not change based on whether or not Chelsea made it into the top four – but there were incentives for winning trophies.

      The London club’s chances of making it into next season’s Champions League do not look particularly encouraging at the moment.
      Chelsea need to cut an 11 point gap to fourth-placed Tottenham in their final 13 games of the season.
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      Or they need to come from a goal down to beat Dortmund tonight before overcoming three other sides on their way to winning the Champions League for the second time in three years.
      Atletico Madrid loanee Felix admits any future at Stamford Bridge beyond this May could depend on how Chelsea European prospects.
      He said: “Yeah, playing in the Champions League is always different. It’s a competition that everyone wants to play.
      “But now I’m focused on this Champions League, on the game. We have a lot of games yet to try to reach the Champions League in the league. It’s not over. 
      “But, yeah, playing in the Champions League is an important decision, but the future no one knows, so let’s see what happens and then we’ll see.” More

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      Reece James and N’Golo Kante return to training in major boost to Graham Potter’s struggling Chelsea squad

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      CHELSEA have been handed an injury boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.The Blues approach the second leg of the round-of-16 fixture already 1-0 down to the Bundesliga giants and in desperate need of a result to save a wretched season.
      Reece James returned to Chelsea training before Tuesday’s gameCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      N’Golo Kante also took part in trainingCredit: PA
      And beleaguered boss Graham Potter had some rare good news for fans with an update on the fitness of star defender Reece James.
      James missed Chelsea’s match against Leeds on Saturday due to a tight hamstring.
      But he returned to training on Monday in preparation for Tuesday’s match against Borussia Dortmund.
      And during his pre-match press conference, Potter said: “Reece [James] – we’ll make a decision on him tomorrow.”
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      French midfielder N’Golo Kante was also seen in training ahead of the clash, but Potter has admitted that he is not ready to play a full 90 minutes of football.
      He added: “It’s a complex one with him because he has had a long time out.
      “It’ll be a case of how we get him back up to speed to play Premier League or Champions League football.
      “He won’t be able to go back in for 90 minutes any time soon but the fact he is with us is exciting.”
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      Kante has made just two appearances for Chelsea this season.
      He was forced off midway through the club’s Premier League clash with Tottenham in August due to a hamstring injury and has not played since. More