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      Chelsea missing Champions League won’t stop £50m-rated star joining as he admits he’s ‘flattered’ by interest

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      LILLE star Jonathan David reckons Chelsea’s recent poor form would not stop stars like him from joining the Stamford Bridge “project”.Graham Potter’s men are tenth in the Premier League, 14 points adrift of the top four.
      Graham Potter’s Chelsea are toiling in the Premier League tableCredit: REX
      But Lille and Canada ace Jonathan David reckons the Blues still have pulling powerCredit: Getty
      But Canada striker David, who has 15 Ligue 1 goals this term, will not pick his next club based on whether they are in the Champions League.
      The £50million-rated star, also a target for Manchester United, is open to offers.
      David said: “The Champions League is not a condition. Everyone wants to play in the biggest competitions in the world.
      “But the most important thing is always the project.
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      “I don’t know what the future holds but I am open to every possibility.”
      The 23-year-old counts Blues icon Didier Drogba as one of his childhood heroes — and how Chelsea could do with a proper centre-forward right now.
      David dreams of a move to the Prem, so it could be a perfect pairing.
      The striker said: “The atmosphere in England is good every week, every stadium is filled.
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      “These are the games you want to play, with an atmosphere like that. And there are a lot of top teams.
      “Growing up I looked at different players. Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba . . . these players.
      “And the Premier League is one of the world’s best leagues.
      “The most important thing, though, is to play for the team.”
      It’s unclear if Potter will be in charge of Chelsea come the end of the season given their torrid run of form.
      The former Brighton boss will hope his troops will be able to stop the rot at Stamford Bridge on Saturday against Leeds. More

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      ‘He wants to fight the world’ – Chelsea stars fear for Mason Mount after series of uncharacteristic flashpoints

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      CHELSEA stars fear team-mate Mason Mount’s on pitch discipline is suffering because of his contract stand-off.The frustrated midfielder was booked for the second time in three games during his sub appearance in the dismal defeat at Tottenham on Sunday.
      Mason Mount has struggled to find his best form this seasonCredit: Getty
      He is also suspended for next week’s crunch Champions League last 16 tie at home to Borussia Dortmund.
      Dressing room insiders say they are worried that homegrown Mount is suffering as talks on a new deal with the club have stalled.
      Negotiations are at a standstill and Mount has not played a full 90 minutes for Chelsea in the last eight matches.
      The latest brush with the law was for showing dissent towards ref Stuart Attwell while his boyhood team crumbled against their fiercest opposition at White Hart Lane and were sunk 2-0.
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      It is the fourth Premier League booking of a season which started with so much promise for Mount and Chelsea but is now disintegrating fast.
      A dressing room source told SunSport: “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to make the link between Mason’s frustration and his contract situation.
      “If you are a player that was born and bred at Chelsea and then find yourself on the bench or always among the first players to be subbed it is going to get to you.
      “Maybe he is not playing well. But who is in that team?”
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      Mount, 23, is banned for next Tuesday’s return match against Germans Dortmund because has three bookings in the Champions League this season.
      The last was for becoming embroiled in a shoving match having only come on with 19 minutes of the game to go.
      Discussions about a new deal for Mount began before last summer but have dragged on and show no sign of a breakthrough.
      It is a fresh headache for beleaguered Chelsea boss Graham Potter who is trying to manage an mammoth 33-man squad after making eight signings in January alone.
      Form is in critical condition too with the team tenth in the Premier League. They have won only two of the last 15 games and scored one goal in the last six matches.
      Mount has been with Chelsea since he was six years old and has been a key player.
      He provided the assist for Kai Havertz to score the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final and has won the Club World Cup and Super Cup. He now has less than 18 months remaining on his contract.
      Club chairman Todd Boehly has made an offer of a new one but it was rejected. 
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      Mount is currently paid significantly less than players like striker Pierre-Emrerick Aubameyang, who only joined Chelsea last summer.
      The source added: “At the moment, Mason looks like he wants to fight the world when really he just wants to win things. With Chelsea.” More

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      I won it all with Barcelona and starred in the Premier League but now I’m carving out a shock career in new sport

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      A FORMER Barcelona star who played with Lionel Messi is now pursuing a different sporting journey.The ex-striker even graced the Premier League for four years in a career that took him around the globe.
      Bojan Krkic won the Champions League twice with BarcelonaCredit: Getty – Contributor

      He won LaLiga four times between 2008-2011 and the Champions League twice in 2009 and 2011.
      After that he joined Ajax on loan for a season where he won Eredivisie before a permanent move to Stoke followed.
      Most recently the 32-year-old played for Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he was released in December.
      Since then the man in question, Bojan Krkic, has continued to pursue his other sporting love – gravel cycling.
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      He revealed it was love at first sight when it came to the sport and he loves to get out on the trail whenever he can.
      Bojan is also part of a new cycling brand called Guava which was founded in Barcelona, with former team-mate Andres Iniesta also a part of the project according to AS.
      Speaking about the new venture, Bojan said: “I think that when I enter this project it will be to stay and that I continue to be linked to cycling.It is a good way to combine sport and social activity.
      “I could participate soon to be in some races. I’m going to prepare for it.
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      I have always liked the bike, even as a means of transportation, but for about five years I have loved gravel. Whenever I can, I go out to do my routes.
      “Regarding soccer, it also serves as training, because as it has no physical impact it allows you to travel many kilometers without damaging the body.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo told me quitting Liverpool for Bayern Munich was a ‘great step’, says Sadio Mane

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      SADIO MANE has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo told him that leaving Liverpool for Bayern Munich last summer was a “great step”.The Senegal superstar, 30, quit Anfield after six years in 2022 having helped the club win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
      Sadio Mane has revealed what Cristiano Ronaldo told him after he completed a summer transfer to Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo saw Mane in Mallorca and described the transfer as a ‘great step’Credit: Getty
      He joined German champions Bayern in a £35million transfer, which he says ex-Manchester United star Ronaldo described as a “great step”.
      Mane came across Ronaldo, 38, in Mallorca before this season started.
      Speaking to BILDSport, Mane said: “That says everything about the Bundesliga and underlines what I’ve already said: I think you underestimate the Bundesliga here.
      “The recent performances in the Champions League prove that.
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      “I met Cristiano Ronaldo in Mallorca before this season after my move was completed. 
      “He congratulated me and told me: ‘A great club. This is a great step for you.'”
      Mane has had a good start to life at Bayern, scoring 11 goals in 24 appearances.
      The attacker made his return to action in the 3-0 win over title rivals Union Berlin at the weekend.
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      Mane missed last November-December’s World Cup and had missed Bayern’s last nine games due to a leg injury.
      Ronaldo meanwhile, made another career move.
      The five-time Champions League and Ballon d’Or winner left Man Utd before the World Cup after having his contract ripped up.
      Ronaldo then joined Saudi side Al Nassr, where he has scored eight goals in five games.
      The Portugal captain was also named Saudi League’s February Player of the Month. More

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      Champions League winner looks unrecognisable as he launches own branded wine

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      FOOTBALL fans have been left dumbfounded after a former Champions League winner announced his new wine venture – but it had nothing to do with his role as wine salesman.The Czech Republic international started his career with Banik Ostrava before earning a big move to Serie A in 2000.
      A former Czech Republic and AC Milan star has launched a new wine ventureCredit: Instagram @jankul18
      The 45-year-old looks completely unrecognisable from his playing daysCredit: Instagram @jankul18
      The ex left winger joined Italian giants Napoli after impressing for his country at Euro 2000.
      He went on to make 51 appearances and scored eight goals during his two-year spell in Naples.
      That led to a stint on loan at Udinese, which eventually turned into a permanent move and three seasons with the Italian side.
      West Ham had been linked with our mystery ace – but he spent three years with Udinese as a host of Europe’s top clubs started circling.
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      Eventually, in the summer of 2005, he was snapped up by AC Milan and he went on to enjoy huge success at the San Siro after converting to left full-back.
      And the pinnacle was undoubtedly the 2007 Champions League final.
      He started in defence for Milan as two goals from Filippo Inzaghi sealed a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
      The man we are talking about is none other than the now 45-year-old Marek Jankulovski.
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      And he continued to enjoy success at Milan as they lifted both the Fifa Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup later that year.
      His performances in 2007 also earned him the Czech footballer of the year accolade.
      Jankulovski and Milan then celebrated winning the Serie A title in 2011 but that would prove to be his final campaign at the club.
      He returned to boyhood club Banik Ostrava that summer but the fairytale comeback ended in disappointing fashion.
      Marek Jankulovski won the Champions League with AC MilanCredit: AFP
      He won 78 caps and scored 12 goals for Czech RepublicCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The Czech icon made his debut against Hradec Kralove in October but managed to play just eight minutes after coming off the bench as he suffered a knee injury.
      That turned out to be his last professional game as he announced his retirement due to injury in February 2012.
      The 78-capped national hero did manage to pull on the boots again 12 months later in front of a packed crowd for a farewell match that had been arranged by the club.
      Jankulovski was employed as a consultant by Banik and also started work in his homeland as a pundit for Champions League matches.
      He was then named as Banik’s sporting director in June 2018 but left the role two years later.
      Now he has a new job away from the pitch as he shared his news on Instagram – and his followers could barely believe that it was him as he looks completely unrecognisable from his heyday.
      Standing in front of a huge barrel of wine and holding a bottle of it, he captioned the snap with: “Italy, wine and football.. Introducing WINE LEGEND – Marek Jankulovski. Many thanks to winemaker Fabio for including me in the selected company of champions for whom he exclusively produces wines. Info on where you can order wine will be added soon.”
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      One response read: “He has aged like a fine wine.”
      While another wrote: “It took me a while to work out who this was.” More

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      The Man Utd line-up that could win the Champions League next season, with midfield overhaul and lethal Serie A striker

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could be set for a big overhaul in the summer that could fire them to Champions League success.Erik ten Hag won his first trophy with the club yesterday and he could be heavily backed when the transfer window opens.
      Manchester United could spend big on Victor Osimhen and Declan Rice
      Erik ten Hag could be allowed to spend heavily this summerCredit: Alamy
      Success in the Carabao Cup could provide a platform for a very productive season for United, who are also competing for the title, FA Cup and Europa League.
      But next season they could have another target in mind – the Champions League.
      And to achieve that aim Ten Hag could be given the funds to bring in a top quality striker.
      Wout Weghorst was signed as a temporary solution in January but the Red Devils have since been linked with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.
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      Both would command significant transfer fees with Napoli striker Osimhen believed to have a £107million release clause.
      But the two strikers would guarantee goals – Kane has 20 in all competitions this season while Osimhen has 21.
      United are also planning to bolster their midfield and could finally land Declan Rice this summer.
      West Ham are still demanding a significant fee for the England star, believed to be around £100m, while Arsenal are also threatening to pip United to the midfielder.
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      United are also considering a move for the in-demand Jude Bellingham, with Frenkie de Jong a backup option.
      Ten Hag has also been keen to upgrade his right-back since his arrival despite the improved form of Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      Dutch pair Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong have been linked in the past and United could try again for the pair this summer. More

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      I’ve won four Champions League titles but winning the Carabao Cup with Man Utd could be better than any of them

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      RAPHAEL VARANE has admitted that winning the Carabao Cup with Manchester United could be more rewarding than his four Champions League wins with Real Madrid.The defender, 29, won everything there was to win during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
      Varane is eager to win the Carabao Cup with Man UtdCredit: Getty
      The Frenchman won the Champions League four times with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      That includes three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups and four Club World Cups.
      Varane was also part of the World Cup winning France squad in 2018, so he is no stranger to a bit of silverware.
      But, the Frenchman recently admitted that earning success with United has the potential to feel more rewarding than all of that.
      He told Manchester Evening News: “Honestly, it’s better when you’re going up.
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      “When you are on the top the only thing that can change is to disappoint.
      “You can’t do anything better because you’re already there.
      “When you can grow with the club and the team, that’s a great feeling.”
      Varane also revealed that a win in the Carabao Cup final will only leave the Red Devils hungry for more success in the future.
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      He added: “I was speaking with Sergio Ramos about it in Madrid, and when we start winning, we won a lot – but before that it was the same.
      “We went years without at Madrid, it was a very long time, and when we won it changed not the mentality, but the belief. When you win you start to think ‘okay, we did it, so now we can do it again.’
      “It’s about the winning mentality and when you start to win you just want to win and nothing else.
      “It doesn’t mean that when you aren’t winning you don’t want to. But you do believe more that it is possible and sometimes you need a bit of luck as well.
      “And when you are more confident you bring the luck with you. It’s a positive cycle.”
      Man Utd will have the chance to end a six-year trophy drought this afternoon when they take on Newcastle in the final of the Carabao Cup. More

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      TV legend John Motson watched football in the pub on night before he passed away aged 77

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      LEGENDARY football commentator John Motson spent his final night watching a football match and enjoying a pint at his local pub, the landlords have revealed.Motson – who passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday – was at The George in Little Brickhill, Milton Keynes, watching Manchester City’s Champions League clash with RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.
      Broadcasting legend Motson passed away on ThursdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He spent his final night at his local pubCredit: The George – At Little Brickhill
      He had become a regular at the village pub when he moved to Buckinghamshire and established a close friendship with landlords Simon and Louise Babikian.
      And Mrs Babikian has revealed that he spent his final evening enjoying the football with his friends.
      She told the BBC: “Wednesday evening, the night before he passed, he came into the pub to watch his football match and sat with his mates having a beer and talking us through the game, as he would most evenings.
      “He seemed to really enjoy himself.”
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      Mr Babikian, who watched the match with Motson, added: “He was a true gentleman, a true friend to many people in the village.
      “He always had something very diplomatic to say about the game. He was very unbiased and just a true fan of the game and most sports.
      “My memory will be him saying goodnight, how he’d see us at the weekend and he might come in the day after for the United game. He just loved every team and everybody.”
      Mr and Mrs Babikian also told of how many of the local villagers came to the pub after Motson’s death was announced, adding: “I think this was his special place.
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      “But what is quite funny, is many different people from different generations might not recognise him until he spoke.
      “Once he spoke, he had such an iconic voice and was so pleased to meet people that recognised what he’s done for the world of broadcasting.”
      Motson, who was also known as Motty, commentated on more than 2000 matches on TV and radio throughout his incredible career, including 29 FA Cup finals, 10 World Cups and 10 European Championships.
      And the news of his death sent shockwaves across the football community.
      Some of the sport’s biggest names were quick to pay tribute to ‘the voice of football’.
      Gary Lineker tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear that John Motson has died.
      “A quite brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations. He’ll be very much missed. RIP Motty.”
      Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler said: “John was the standard-setter for us all.
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      “We basically all looked up to him – his diligence, his dedication, his knowledge. He was a very serious broadcaster but he was a real fun guy to be around.”
      And Clive Tyldesley wrote: “As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else.” More