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      PSG vs Arsenal referee served six-month ban for match-fixing after accepting bribe and was blasted by Bellingham

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      THE REFEREE taking charge of Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain previously served a six-month ban for match fixing.Felix Zwayer, 43, has been tasked with officiating Wednesday night’s semi-final second leg clash at the Parc des Princes.Arsenal’s referee against PSG previously served a six-month ban for match fixingCredit: RexThe German is one of Uefa’s top-ranked referees and took charge of England’s semi-final win over the Netherlands at last summer’s Euros.Zwayer now faces another major night as Arsenal look to come back from their 1-0 loss to PSG in the first leg.The two sides are set to go hammer and tongs in search of a place in the final against either Barcelona or Inter Milan.But ahead of kick-off, Zwayer’s chequered past has now come to light.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn 2005, he was punished for accepting a bribe from fellow ref Robert Hoyzer.Zwayer was a linesman at the time and took £250 to fix a second division match in Germany.An investigation revealed that Hoyzer had been accepting money from a Croatian gambling syndicate connected to an organised crime group.He was banned from football for life while also receiving a prison sentence of two years and five months.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAs for Zwayer, he was suspended from football for six months before returning to eventually become a Bundesliga ref in 2009.His bribery scandal has not gone unnoticed by players though, with Jude Bellingham referencing it while blasting Zwayer for a controversial penalty decision against former club Borussia Dortmund.Arsenal tipped to finish FOURTH by Jamie Carragher as he predicts race for Champions League placesZwayer was blasted by Jude Bellingham during the ace’s Borussia Dortmund daysCredit: GettySpeaking after a defeat to rivals Bayern Munich three years ago, Bellingham said: “For me it wasn’t a penalty. You can look at a lot of the other decisions in the game.“You give a referee that has, you know, match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany – what do you expect?” More

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      Former Arsenal record signing, 29, ‘could make shock return to Premier League as Everton and Wolves circle for transfer’

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      ARSENAL biggest-ever flop signing could be given another chance to shine in the Premier League.The Gunners smashed their transfer record when they paid an astonishing £72million for Nicolas Pepe’s services from Lille in 2019.Nicolas Pepe failed to truly convince in an Arsenal shirtCredit: ReutersPepe’s form had picked up for Villarreal this seasonCredit: AlamyPepe, now 29, failed to justify that massive fee – which has since been topped by the £100m arrival of Declan Rice in 2023 – in four years at the Emirates.He made 112 appearances for Arsenal in total, scoring 27 goals.His most prolific campaign came during the Covid-hit 2020/21 season, where he hit 10 goals in 29 Premier League appearances, adding an assist for good measure. But his game time began to rapidly decrease in the following seasons, after Pepe scored just one goal and made two assists in the 21/22 campaign.Read more footballHe was shipped out on loan to Nice and Trabzonspor in 22/23 and 23/24, before he found a permanent home at Villarreal.This term, the forward has played 23 La Liga games, scoring twice, and adding four assists. Now, Foot Mercato reports that Everton and Wolves are interested in the Ivorian. David Moyes’ Toffees are set for a serious squad reshuffle this summer as the Scot looks to stamp his authority on the side after he returned to Merseyside for a second spell. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCurrently, Everton’s options out wide include Dwight McNeil, who can play on either flank, Iliman Ndiaye, and loanees Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom.The Toffees are yet to make a decision to sign Harrison and Lindstrom, brought in from Leeds United and Napoli respectively, permanently. Arsenal tipped to finish FOURTH by Jamie Carragher as he predicts race for Champions League placesAs for Wolves, Vitor Pereira has a plethora of names to pick from to play in his two number 10 positions behind lone striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. Talisman Matheus Cunha is the first name on the teamsheet, although his future is up in the air amid interest from Manchester United. Marshall Munetsi often completes the attacking trident, although he is rivalled by Hwang Hee-Chan and Pablo Sarabia. Goncalo Guedes and Carlos Forbs, natural wingers, have struggled for game time this term, while Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has also filled in further forward. Pepe and Villarreal are currently on-course for a top-five finish in the Spanish top flight this year, which would see them qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2021/22.They reached the semi-finals, but were beaten by Liverpool 5-2 on aggregate. Read More on The SunPreviously, Unai Emery had masterminded their 2020/21 Europa League triumph, which included a penalty shoot-out victory over Manchester United in the final. Incidentally, they defeated Arsenal in the last four, beating the Gunners 2-1 across two legs. More

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      Arsenal consider cut-price transfer for PSG midfielder, 24, following Champions League semi-final

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      ARSENAL are considering another move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-In.Mikel Arteta was interested in the South Korean in January, and new Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta will encourage him to make room in his squad for the 24-year-old.Arsenal are considering a move for Lee Kang-InCredit: GettyBerta was the driving force behind a failed bid from Atletico Madrid for Lee in 2023 when he left La Liga outfit Mallorca for the Parc des Princes.But it has not worked out for him in Paris as he remains a fringe member of Luis Enrique’s squad after almost two seasons at the club.The former Valencia playmaker has started 18 league games this season, the same number as in his first season at the club, but doubled his 2023-24 goal tally by registering six times in Ligue 1.Last week, L’Equipe named Lee on a list of players the French champions will look to offload this summer.READ MORE ON ARSENALPSG want to recoup their £18.7m outlay and will not listen to any offers below £17m.The French sports daily reported that Lee is dissatisfied with his playing time, and indicated that he will seek a new team this summer.He was an unused substitute for PSG in their 1-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg win at the Emirates.He started their Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg on Saturday but left the 2-1 defeat at half-time because of a shin injury that looks set to keep him out of the return leg.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesEnrique has deployed Lee as a winger, central midfielder and false nine, viewing the Korean as a player with the tactical awareness to switch positions seamlessly.A move for Lee could be completed relatively quickly because of PSG’s desire to sell and that could mean the Korean is on board the plane when Arsenal jet out to the Far East for their pre-season matches in Singapore and Hong Kong.How PSG tricked Arsenal to gain Champions League semi-final advantage More

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      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table with race for Champions League places going down to the wire

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      THE race for the Champions League spots is set to go down the wire as Prem teams jockey for position.With English sides having performed well in Europe this term, the Premier League has been awarded an extra Champions League place for next season.The race for Europa took a further twist as Forest failed to beat Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyThis means that the top five will all enter Europe’s premier competition in the 2025-26 campaign.Having already won the title, Liverpool have sewn up their place at Europe’s top table for next season.Second placed Arsenal are then in pole position to join the Reds, sitting six points above sixth with three matches remaining.Manchester City currently occupy third – with Newcastle fourth and Chelsea fifth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing last night’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest are now on the outside looking in at sixth.While Aston Villa are seventh, but will still believe that they are in the hunt.With the race hotting up, boffins and brainiacs over at AceOdds have crunched the numbers to determine how the final Premier League table is likely to look.They reckon that out-of-form Arsenal will win two of their final three matches to seal second spot, and thus a place in the Champions League next season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMikel Arteta’s side will travel to Liverpool this weekend, before hosting Newcastle the following Sunday and finishing with a trip to relegated Southampton.In third, the supercomputer has Manchester City finishing two points back from Arsenal.Premier League manager starts new tradition of joining fans at local pubs if club wins It reckons that Pep Guardiola’s men will collect seven points from their last three games; as they travel to Southampton and Fulham either side of a home assignment against Bournemouth.Newcastle are tipped to finish in fourth place, as the Carabao Cup winners are backed to collect two wins and a defeat from their final three matches.Eddie Howe’s side will host Chelsea and Everton either side of their trip to Arsenal.Somewhat surprisingly, the supercomputer backs Aston Villa to win all three of their remaining games to vault up from seventh into fifth.Unai Emery’s men travel to Bournemouth this weekend, before hosting Tottenham in a match likely to be moved from its current Sunday slot to next Friday night – with Spurs potentially distracted by the upcoming Europa League final, should they make it.Villa then finish their campaign with a trip Manchester United, who will likely have played in the Europa League final in Bilbao four days earlier.The supercomputer reckons that Chelsea will only collect four more points to fall out of the top five.The Blues have awkward trips to Newcastle and Nottingham Forest to come, either side of a home assignment against Man Utd.Forest are backed to win two of their remaining three games, against Leicester, West Ham and Chelsea, but still finish behind the Blues on goal difference.Sixth place will earn a spot in the Europa League.Winning the FA Cup also carries a Europa League place, meaning that Crystal Palace could qualify by winning the competition.Should City win the FA Cup, by virtue of them having already qualified for Europe higher up the table, the Europa League spot would pass down to the team that finishes seventh in the league.Newcastle qualified for the Europa Conference League by winning the EFL Cup.But if the Toon qualify for the Champions League or Europa League via their league position, that Europa Conference League spot would be passed down to the next-best placed team in the Premier League table.This means that the team in eighth could earn a Europa Conference League spot.By winning this season’s Europa Conference League, Chelsea would earn themselves a place in next season’s Europa League.But Enzo Maresca’s side will hope to have already secured at least a Europa League spot via their Premier League finish.Finally, the Supercomputer predicts Man Utd and Tottenham to finish 14th and 16th respectively.Read More on The SunIf one of those two teams wins the Europa League, however, they will automatically enter the league phase of next season’s Champions League, despite their lowly Prem positions.An English side winning the Europa League, coupled with Crystal Palace winning the FA Cup, would see 10 Premier League sides in Europe next season – with six in the Champions League, three in the Europa League and one in the Europa Conference League.Tottenham or Man Utd could salvage a Champions League spot by winning the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      Crystal Palace 1 Nottingham Forest 1: Visitors’ Champions League race blow as hosts close on first 50-point season ever

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S slump continues – yet their Champions League fate remains in their nervous, sweaty palms.Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest began April in third and 10 points clear of sixth, daring to dream of welcoming Europe’s big dogs to their beloved City Ground.Eberechi Eze scored the opener from the spotCredit: ReutersMurillo netted Forest’s equaliserCredit: ReutersBut last night’s salvaged point away to Crystal Palace sees them with just one win from their last five Prem outings – Murillo’s 64th minute deflected flick cancelling out Eberechi Eze’s VAR-awarded penalty on the hour mark.Forest are now sat in sixth and two points off fifth-placed Chelsea and fourth-placed Newcastle with three games remaining.That epic final-day showdown against the Blues still leaves Forest in control of their own destiny, requiring a perfect end to the campaign before then at home to relegated Leicester and away to West Ham.There is also the added ingredient of Enzo Maresca’s Londoners visiting St James’ Park this weekend.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut it should never have come down to this, and Forest only have themselves to blame for nearly letting it slip.Oliver Glasner’s Palace, with an FA Cup final to look forward to later this month, are just four points shy of their best-ever Prem points tally, and could have been even closer thanks to a sizzling display by Eze – fresh from winning £15k in an online chess tournament last week.But this was all about Forest and their ability to check-mate themselves out of nowhere.Nuno made a tactical switch from Thursday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Brentford, dropping Ryan Yates and giving injury-plagued Ibrahim Sangare his first Prem start since August. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe other change was enforced – Callum Hudson-Odoi’s hamstring issues pushing Elliot Anderson out wide and Nicolas Dominguez filling in.Palace went with the same XI that battered Aston Villa at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals last month, and Selhurst Park did its best to recreate that atmosphere in south west London.Top 10 highest paid footballersMatz Selz gave away the penalty that led to Palace’s goalCredit: RexMurillo was forced off late in the match with an injuryCredit: GettyIn reality, Forest’s nerves had sapped the energy from their legs from the off. The hosts could smell that fear and hesitation. A bombardment of Forest’s box with several corners one after another had Nuno’s boys scrambling for a breather.The FA Cup finalists were enjoying themselves, perhaps a bit too much as Tyrick Mitchell almost headed past his own keeper when dealing with a long ball but for an acrobatic reaction stop from Dean Henderson.With a place amongst Europe’s finest on the line, Forest were alarmingly flat. Palace were lacking intensity and quality too, but at least they had an excuse of having one eye on Wembley.Needing to win, Forest were playing like a team terrified to lose.Palace sparked into life in the 34th minute – Sarr connecting with Mitchell’s looping back-post cross forcing Matz Sels into his first save.VAR could have livened things up with Chris Woods taking a tumble in the box under contact from Daniel Munoz five minutes before the break, but the briefest of checks allowed referee Andy Madley to play on.Nuno’s half-time talk could have been so different had Anthony Elanga finished a fine move involving Dominguez and Wood instead of firing straight at Henderson – classic countering Forest from back to front.Not one for throwing teacups in dressing rooms, Nuno now needed his side to throw the kitchen sink at their opponents in search of a goal worthy of Champions League football.Wood should have delivered it in the 50th minute via another counter with a composed touch in the box only to watch his effort deflect just wide from the inside of Lacroix’s leg.Nuno sunk to his knees. A huge moment, especially as seconds before Sels had denied Sarr up the other end.The drama continued. Sarr’s brilliant cross picked out Mitchell in the six-yard box and the Eagles full-back was taken out – first by Dominguez and then by Sels.Madley waved away, but a VAR check was inevitable. The monitor confirmed Forest’s worst fears with Sels booked and Eze stood over the penalty.His finish was emphatic – his tenth in all competitions. His stuttered run-up had Forest players surrounding Madley, more out of desperation than anything else.Forest responded quickly, and with a huge slice of luck as Nico Williams’ driven effort from range was helped in by a stray Murillo leg.Palace pushed in the dying moments as Forest retreated.Maxence Lacroix headed just over. Eze curled one onto the bar from 25 yards and Eddie Nketiah had a goal ruled out for offside in injury time to send Nuno’s nerves into overdrive.Read More on The SunForest are alive, but there really is no more room for error.Palace however are now just four points shy of breaking the 50-point barrier in the Premier League for the first time ever.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side need to be near perfect to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: RexOliver Glasner could be the first Crystal Palace manager to win 50 points in a seasonCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel ran his eyes over the England hopefulsCredit: Alamy More

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      Carlo Ancelotti ‘reaches agreement to LEAVE Real Madrid’ as manager’s likely next job is revealed

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI and Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement over his exit, according to reports.It was reported last month that the Italian was set to leave the Spanish giants after being eliminated from the Champions League and beaten in the Copa del Rey final.Carlo Ancelotti has reached a verbal agreement over his Real Madrid exitCredit: RexAncelotti is set to take charge of Brazil during the summer international breakCredit: RexAncelotti has been heavily linked the vacant post of the Brazil national team, where he is said to have agreed a deal to take over through to the end of the 2026 World Cup.Conversations have been ongoing with Madrid over the terms of his exit which were largely dependent on reaching an agreement over his salary for the remainder of his contract at the Bernabeu.The 65-year-old has a deal which runs until 2026 after signing an extension in December 2023.But according to The Athletic, a verbal agreement on those terms has now been reached, with only formalities left to be sorted out before an official announcement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe move is expected to be announced before the end of the LaLiga season and may even come after next Sunday’s El Clasico.However, it will mean Madrid need to find a new manager BEFORE the Club World Cup in the United States starting on June 14.Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is the frontrunner to land the permanent job, although director of football Santiago Solari is also being seen as the favourite for an internal option.Ancelotti has been in talks with Brazil’s football federation (CBF) since March and had been expected to sign a contract with them in late April, but the move stalled due to his talks with Madrid over compensation.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBrazil have World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay coming up when the club season finishes, with those matches taking place on June 6 and June 11 respectively.Ancelotti re-joined Madrid in 2021 and won two league titles and three Champions Leagues to make him the most decorated coach in the club’s history with 15 titles overall.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal He has been described as the “dream” of CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues.Whoever takes over from the legendary boss at the Bernabeu could be joined by a fellow new arrival in Trent Alexander-Arnold, who today announced he was leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.The 26-year-old said it was “easily the hardest decision of my career” in an emotional statement earlier today, though Liverpool themselves were far more blunt with their own statement.Madrid may need to fork out a transfer fee to see him playing for them at the Club World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti has now won 28 trophies More

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      ‘It was meant to be’ – Fans convinced Alexander-Arnold was destined for Real Madrid transfer from first ever Insta post

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      LIVERPOOL’S departing star Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first ever Instagram post involved Real Madrid… 11 years before his impending move to the Santiago Bernabeu.Alexander-Arnold, 26, officially announced he will be leaving Anfield when his contract expires in an emotional statement on Monday.Trent Alexander-Arnold announced he is leaving Liverpool amid interest from Real MadridAlexander-Arnold’s first ever Instagram post was about RealFans believe it’s Alexander-Arnold’s destiny to play for RealHe is now set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer following the Spaniards’ very public pursuit this season.And fans have spotted a major clue that he always dreamed of turning out for Los Blancos on his social media channels.That’s because in his first-ever Instagram post, Alexander-Arnold uploaded a training snap from the Bernabeu with the Liverpool squad from the 2014-15 season.The Merseysiders were visiting Real for a Champions League clash in the group stage and the right-back was included in Brendan Rodgers’ side on a supporting capacity at the age of 16.Read More on FootballThe defender uploaded a photo showing him and then team-mates Rickie Lambert and Raheem Sterling practising on the pitch he may soon call home.Alexander-Arnold included the following caption: “Training at the Bernabeu.”And now some fans insist it was written in the stars as they revisited the pic and stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “It was meant to be.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother commented: “Destined to be a Madridista.”A third wrote: “Born to play for Real Madrid.”Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigarWhat happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So had did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.This fan said: “It was written.”And that one posted: “Feels like fate.”Alexander-Arnold wasn’t involved in that match against Real, who won 1-0 thanks to Karim Benzema’s winner.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit interviewTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD spoke to Liverpool’s in-house club media to explain his decision to leave Anfield.Here are the key parts…I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.Obviously there’s been a lot of noise around what the decision was going to be and how that was going to look. I know a lot of people will say I should have said sooner, a lot of people will say maybe I waited for the right time. But I felt personally the focus should always be on the pitch.I’ve got full confidence in the manager and the staff and the club going forward. It’s not about me thinking we’re not going to fight for titles or fight for trophies season in, season out… it was never about not having confidence in that, it just boiled down to what I felt I needed, and that is a change.Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well. So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset. Obviously that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people. But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is.I fell in love with the club from a very, very young age and that’s something that has grown and grown day in, day out. This club has given me the opportunities to achieve everything beyond my wildest dreams. I can never repay enough of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it for granted at all. I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed everything. I know the news will take a bit of time to set in and people won’t be happy and they’ll be disappointed. At the end of the day, you can be angry and hurt at me but I just hope that the lads, the rest of the team, the staff, everyone else is able to feel how good a season this has been and able to feel the love and support from the fans as they have done all season.There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan I’ll always be a Liverpool fan. More

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      How Real Madrid could line up with THREE England stars next season including Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool exit

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      REAL MADRID could include an English backbone in their starting XI next season.Los Blancos look set to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer after the Liverpool star announced he is leaving his boyhood club at the end of the season.Jude Bellingham could be getting two more English team-mates this summerCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold looks set for a move to Real Madrid after announcing his Liverpool exitCredit: GettyLos Blancos are reportedly tracking Crystal Palace playmaker Adam Wharton tooCredit: GettyWhile Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is also reportedly being tracked by the La Liga super club. Three Lions star Jude Bellingham has already established himself as a regular at the Bernabeu.The former Birmingham youngster made the switch to Spain from Dortmund for £115million in July 2023.He has since gone on to become an England standout and one of Real Madrid’s star players.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow Bellingham could be joined in the Spanish capital by two familiar faces over the summer.Good pal Alexander-Arnold, 26, was the subject of interest from Madrid in the January transfer window and is now thought to be on the verge of a six-year deal with the club worth £240,000-per-week.The full-back announced in an emotional video that he is leaving Liverpool on the expiration of his deal at the end of the season. And while a move to Madrid hasn’t been officially announced, Alexander-Arnold hinted at his future during his announcement video.Most read in FootballTrent Alexander-Arnold’s emotional goodbyeHere’s a look at Alexander-Arnold’s goodbye statement in full…After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20.This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years. From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years.I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all. My love for this club will never die.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I think the decision for me is personal. To change my environment, to challenge myself elsewhere.”It’s not about wanting to find something better, it’s about me and my personal journey as a player and I feel like now is the best time for me to go and experience that.The meteoric rise of England star Adam Wharton”People won’t be happy with the decision, but it’s something I feel that I need to do with my career”.Liverpool already have a ready-made replacement in Conor Bradley, with the youngster set for a mega 650 per cent pay rise at Anfield.Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton is also being “closely monitored” by Madrid scouts. The 21-year-old recently returned to action after three months out following groin surgery.He has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn for £22m in January 2024.Madrid chief scout Juni Calafat is also said to be a big fan of the midfielder.Wharton even made a break into the England setup last season, being called up for the Euro 2024 tournament.Madrid veterans Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez are both out of contract at the Bernabeu in the summer.Central midfielder Wharton and full-back Alexander-Arnold would fit the bill in replacing those departing stars. But a Three Lions reunion in Madrid would not come cheap. Wharton is also being tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool.He would cost in the region of £70m, according to ESPN. Should the pair end up in Spain, Madrid’s potential XI next season could feature a strong backbone of English players.In our predicted line-up, ex-Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois starts between the sticks. Alexander-Arnold slots in at right back, alongside fellow defenders Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy.Read More on The SunIn midfield, Wharton could partner Bellingham and Federico Valverde.While upfront, the feared trio of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo would spearhead the attack.What happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So had did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally. 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