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      Saudi Pro League ‘to demand WILDCARD for winners to enter the Champions League from NEXT season’

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      SAUDIA ARABIA are reportedly eyeing up a groundbreaking “wild card” entry into the UEFA Champions League. It comes as a stream of past winners of the world’s biggest club competition head to the Saudi Pro League following lucrative offers.
      Officials in Saudi Arabia are set to request ‘wildcard’ entry to the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane and Neymar are now plying their trade in Saudi Arabia.
      It is all part of a huge financial investment by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in not only football but sport in general.
      And now they are setting their sights on participating in European football.
      According to Corriere dello Sport, the leaders of the Arab federation will formulate a very specific request to UEFA.
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      Saudi authorities want the Pro League winners to have a shot at the Champions League from next season.
      They plan to propose a wild card entry that would allow the Saudi domestic league champions to participate in Europe’s top club competition.
      The Champions League format is changing in the 2024-2025 season, from its current 32 team system to one that will include 36 teams.
      The biggest change will see a transformation from the traditional group stage, to a single league phase that includes all participating teams.
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      Each team will play four additional games for a total of five home ties and five away ties – although unlike a traditional league system, not everyone will play each other.
      The top eight will qualify automatically for the round of 16 – while those placed between ninth and 16th will be entered into two-legged play-offs.
      The think tank at Jeddah will request to be allowed entry into the new Swiss-style format.
      Whether UEFA will accept the offer is yet to be seen, with resistance from various stakeholders expected.
      But if this proposal gets the green light, it could potentially see the likes of Ronaldo, Benzema, and Neymar play in Europe once again. 
      Moreover, this would further enhance the profile and prestige of the Saudi Pro League on a global scale.
      The revamped competition also means it’s likely a fifth Premier League club will compete.
      The Champions League will undergo huge changes next seasonCredit: AP More

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      Man City 1 Sevilla 1 (5-4 pens): Guardiola gets first trophy of the season after Cole Palmer rescues City in Super Cup

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      MANCHESTER CITY rose from the ruins in the Greek capital to lift a fourth trophy of the summer.The Champions League winners looked to be missing out on the Super Cup as a first half header from Yasser En Nasyri put Seville in front.
      Man City rose from the ruins in the Greek capital to lift a fourth trophy of the summerCredit: Getty
      Kyle Walker lifts the trophy is City get their first silverware of the seasonCredit: Getty
      But Cole Palmer pulled Pep Guardiola’s level after the break and this time they held their nerve in the shoot-out.
      Unlike in the Community Shield, City scored all five of their penalties – with Erling Haaland among those successful
      And midfielder Nemanja Gudelj blasted his kick against the bar to spark wild celebrations among those in sky blue.
      England Under 21 star Palmer is expected to leave the Etihad before the end of the transfer window.
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      But he is doing his bit to persuade Pep Guardiola to keep him as he added a second half header to the beauty he got at the Community Shield.
      City secured their first piece of silverware after seeing off Sevilla on penalties.
      And at the very least, Palmer he is giving his club a dilemma as the clubs queue up to take him for the campaign ahead.
      It had been a testing night for the Champions League winners who trailed to a super early header from Yasser En Nesyri.
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      And but for keeper Ederson, the Morocco World Cup star could have had a hat-trick.
      The game did not kick off until 10pm local time yet it was still a stifling 29 degrees in the Greek capital.
      Pep Guardiola’s squad is stretched already due to injury.
      So he will no doubt be concerned about how much it will take out of his troops ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Newcastle.
      However it was the chance to win another piece of silverware to add to the three they won in the space of three unforgettable weeks in the spring.
      City have never won this competition and as Rodri said on the eve of the game, it was an opportunity to put the club on the European map.
      Manager Guardiola has won it three times – twice with Barcelona and also with Bayern Munich.
      New £77 million signing Josko Gvardiol was given a first start with Ruben Dias left out due to concussion protocols.
      Youssef En-Nesyri opened the scoring for Sevilla
      En-Nesyri celebrates giving the Spaniards a shock opener

      Kevin de Bruyne’s place was taken by another recent arrival from Croatia, Mateo Kovacic but Phil Foden was given a chance to play in the middle.
      City began nervously as Manuel Akanji was robbed by former Tottenham man Erik Lamela but he fluffed his shot.
      A series of chances came at the other end as Bono got down well to save a low shot from Palmer.
      And the keeper was there again to block a header from Ake – although the Dutch defender should have scored.
      Gvardiol tried his luck from long range after Bono chose to punch a cross by Kyle Walker – but skied his effort over the bar.
      A Jack Grealish curler was then pushed away by the Moroccan keeper – who has an offer on the table to move to Saudi Arabia this month.
      He was clearly trying to catch the eye with some of his stops – but they had been effective and important.
      Because his team broke away and scored with their first effort on target thanks to his countryman Youssef En Nesyri.
      Cole Palmer equalised for Man City with a stunning headerCredit: Getty
      The youngster has made a flying start to the seasonCredit: Getty
      The World Cup star got in between Ake and Gvardiol to get on the end of Marcos Acuna’s delicious cross – and beat Ederson with an emphatic header.
      Loic Bade was perhaps fortunate to escape with only a yellow card as he pulled back Erling Haaland who would have been in on goal.
      And it summed up a frustrating half for City as Rodri’s header was deflected onto the roof of the net.
      Then Grealish teased over a cross which eluded everyone in the box but dropped just wide of the far post.
      City could count themselves slightly unfortunate to be behind to the Europa League specialists – but they could have been two down soon after the re-start.
      Skipper Walker flew into a challenge on Lucas Ocampos on his flank and mis-timed it – leaving Guardiola on his knees.
      The Argentine rolled over a cross for En Nesyri – whose shot was saved by the legs of Ederson when the Brazilian shouldn’t really have seen it.
      At the other end City – who lacked their usual zip in the hot weather – were finding Seville’s well organised defence tough to break down.
      Erling Haaland leads the celebrations despite a rare goalless nightCredit: Getty
      Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Rodri celebrateCredit: PA
      But just after the hour they finally managed it as Rodri lifted a cross from the left over the head of Haaland.
      Coming in behind him was Palmer who guided his header back across Bono and into the far corner.
      His performances are giving Guardiola something to think about as his club look to replace Riyad Mahrez.
      The Algerian – clearly watching in Saudi Arabia – tweeted his appreciation of his young apprentice after the goal.
      En Nesyri could have put the Spaniards back in front straight away but Ederson raced off his line to make another super stop.
      He was one of the heroes in the Champions League final in June – and was doing his bit here too.
      But so too was Palmer who showed great feet to fashion a chance for himself before bringing a smart save out of Bono.
      Read More on The Sun
      It was all City now but Seville were hanging on as Walker’s low cross was deflected just out of the reach of Foden.
      Ake then saw a downward header pushed over by the keeper in the last minute as the game drifted towards a penalty shoot-out, which City won 5-4.

      Manchester City players celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-outCredit: PA More

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      Man City 1 Sevilla 1 (5-4 pens): Guardiola’s side WIN Super Cup final after epic penalty shootout

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      MANCEHESTER CITY have added another trophy to their already-bulging cabinet after beating Sevilla in the Super Cup final.Youssef En-Nesyri put the Spaniards ahead before Cole Palmer’s header sent it to penalties.
      And Nemanja Gudelj fluffed his lines to hand City the title in an epic shootout.

      RESULT: Man City 1-1 (5-4 pens) Sevilla
      Live stream: TNT Sports app
      TV channel: TNT Sport 1
      Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Gvardiol, Ake; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, Palmer, Grealish; Haaland
      Sevilla XI: Bono; Navas, Bade, Gudelj, Acuna; Jordan, Rakitic; Oliver, Ocampos, Lamela; En-Nesyri

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      Follow ALL the action from the Karaiskakis Stadium with our live blog below…
      Man City vs Sevilla stats
      Manchester City dominated 74 per cent of possession against Sevilla.
      City registered a total of 23 shots, but only seven of them were on target.
      Sevilla, on the other hand, produced eight shots but only half of them were on target.
      More below:

      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City 5-4 Sevilla
      Manchester City extended their reign of dominance after beating Sevilla for the European Super Cup at Georgios Karaiskakis.
      The Andalusians convinced many in Piraeus that they could stun City when they opened the scoring on 25 minutes with Youssef En-Nesyri.
      A stunning cross from Marcos Acuna was met by a header from En Nesyri, who was completely forgotten by Nathan Ake and beat Ederson to hit the back of the net.
      But the Citizens wouldn’t be denied as they got their equaliser in the 63rd minute when another pinpoint cross – this time from Rodri – found Cole Palmer down the right.
      Palmer, who was named as man of the match, got a header and sent the ball to Bounou’s other corner.
      The game went to penalties where City scored all fo their takes with Eling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Mateo Kovacic, Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker.
      Sevilla also hit the net with Lucas Ocampos, Rafa Mir, Ivan Rakitic and Gonzalo Montiel until Nemanja Gudelj hit the crossbar.
      Credit: AFP
      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City 5-4 Sevilla
      Gudelj misses! His shot hits the crossbar! Man City win the European Super Cup!!!!
      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City 4-4 Sevilla
      Walker scores for City, Bounou ALMOST saved that!
      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City 5-4 Sevilla
      Montiel equalises for Sevilla!
      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City 4-3 Sevilla
      Grealish scores for City!
      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City 3-3 Sevilla
      Rakitic scores for Sevilla, Ederson almost saved that!
      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City 3-2 Sevilla
      Kovacic scores for City!
      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City 2-2 Sevilla
      Rafa Mir scores for Sevilla!
      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City 2-1 Sevilla
      Alvarez scores for City!
      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Ocampos equalises for Sevilla!
      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City 1-0 Sevilla
      Haaland scores! Beautiful take!
      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City 0-0 Sevilla
      Man City are up first with Haaland in front of the Treble winners’ fans!
      FT: Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      That’s full-time in Greece.
      It’s time for penalties!!!
      90+1 Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Substitution
      Sevilla boss Mendilibar makes the two changes we prepared you for.
      Suso and Mir come on for En-Nesyri and Lamela.
      90+1 Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Chance!
      Man City captain Walker delivers a long-range shot that just misses Bounou’s corssbar.
      90 Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Juanlu got a yellow card for a late challenge on Gvardiol before the free-kick.
      This will be an intense four minutes!
      90 Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Chance!
      Man City almost score the late winner there as Ake meets a free-kick with a diving header that forces Bounou to palm it away.
      Four more minutes of added time to go.
      88 Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Sevilla are preparing two more substitutions as Suso and Mir are preparing to come on.
      Both attack-minded and probably good penalty takers, Mendilibar is going for it.
      85 Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Substitution
      Man City boss Guardiola makes his first change as Alvarez replaces goalscorer Palmer.
      83 Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Subsitution
      Sevilla boss Mendilibar makes another change as his captain Navas can’t continue due to a knock and is replaced by Montiel.
      80 Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Just 10 more minutes to go and Man City are still dominating!
      Grealish delivers a powerful shot but it’s caught by Bounou.
      77 Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Palmer has been on fire so far in the second half as he is giving Acuna all sorts of trouble down the right.
      A wonderful equaliser by a promising young prospect.
      Credit: Getty
      75 Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Man City are still pushing for a second as we approach half-time.
      Reminding you all that there will be no extra-time and the game will go straight to penalties if we don’t have a winner.
      73 Man City 1-1 Sevilla
      Substitution
      Sevilla make the first change with Juanlu replacing Torres, that sub was delayed by officials for some reason.
      Load more entries… More

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      How SEVEN Premier League teams could qualify for Champions League this season thanks to new rules

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      AS many as SEVEN Premier League sides could compete in next season’s Champions League after new rule changes were set out by Uefa.That’s because next season the Champions League format is changing from its current 32 team system to one that will include 36 teams.
      The Premier League will be granted at least one additional Champions League qualification place if an English club wins the Champions League this seasonCredit: Getty
      If you were in need of a reminder of the current system, the competition begins with a group stage consisting of four teams split into eight groups.
      The top two teams from each group qualify for a round of 16 with the number of teams halved with each round until a winner is found in the final.
      But next year will see the Champions League move to a ‘Swiss model’ which will see 36 teams play in one league – attempting to then qualify for the knockout rounds.
      Each team will play four additional games for a total of five home ties and five away ties – although unlike a traditional league system, not everyone will play each other.
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      The top eight teams will advance to the round of 16, with teams placed between ninth and 24th entering a play-off round to meet them.
      The new model will allow four additional teams to enter the tournament – which will be decided by how well each country’s teams compete in the previous year’s tournament.
      How will the additional four places be awarded?

      One place will go to the club ranked third in the championship of the association in fifth position in the UEFA national association ranking
      One place will be awarded to a domestic champion by extending from four to five the number of clubs qualifying via the so-called ‘Champions Path’
      The final two places will go to the associations with the best collective performance by their clubs in the previous season (total number of points obtained divided by the number of participating clubs)

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      The bullet point Premier League clubs will be most interested in is the final one – as it rewards a league for how far its clubs got in the previous year of the competition.
      So for example with last year’s tournaments being dominated by sides from England and Italy, both leagues would have had an additional spot in the Champions League – meaning Liverpool and Atalanta – both fifth in their respective leagues – would have entered the competition.
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      Manchester City won the Champions League against Inter Milan, while West Ham beat Fiorentina to claim the Europa Conference League.
      For this to happen in the 2024/25 campaign, this year’s English clubs would have to provide one of the top two performances across the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.
      Given English performances in Europe in recent years it is likely that this season will see fifth place finish in the Champions League next season.
      But seven participants entering the tournament next season is highly unlikely.
      An English club would have to place in the top two of the Champions League, Conference League and Europa League.
      And the English clubs would also have to win the Champions League and Europa League to therefore qualify for next year’s competition.
      Read More on The Sun
      But, they would also both have to finish outside of the Premier League’s top five – which given the quality of team needed to win both competitions seems unlikely to happen.
      But there is at least, in theory, a chance that as many as seven Premier League teams will compete in a revamped ‘Swiss model’ Champions League – if a particularly weird season was to unfold. More

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      Man City vs Sevilla – Super Cup: Pep’s Treble winners take on Europa League champions in tasty clash – stream, TV

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      MANCHESTER CITY take on Europa League winners Sevilla on Wednesday night looking to add even more silverware to their already-bulging cabinet.Pep Guardiola and Co travel to Greece for the much-anticipated glamour clash.
      Manchester City are looking to add yet another trophy to their collectionCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Sevilla beat Roma in last year’s Europa League finalCredit: Getty
      The City boss is aiming to win the Super Cup for the first time since 2013, when he was manager of Bayern Munich.
      He also claimed Super Cup glory with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011.
      In his way this time will be Europa League holders Sevilla, who knocked out Manchester United on their way to winning their specialist tournament last year.
      Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side have won the Europa League a staggering seven times since the 2005-06 season, but have only managed to get their hands on the Super Cup once – courtesy of a 3-0 win over Barcelona in 2006.
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      Among Sevilla’s ranks are former Premier League stars Erik Lamela, Suso and ex-City ace Jesus Navas.
      Guardiola and Co will have to do without star man Kevin De Bruyne, after the Belgian suffered a hamstring injury against Burnley on Friday night.
      Speaking in his press conference, the City boss said: “Kevin De Bruyne’s injury is serious one. He will be out for a few months.
      “We have to decide in the next days on surgery but for sure we lose Kevin for some time.”
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      What is their form like?
      City began their Premier League title defence with a comfortable 3-0 win at Turf Moor on Friday night.
      Erling Haaland scored twice during the opening 45 minutes, with Rodri adding another 15 minutes from time.
      Sevilla, meanwhile, were stunned 2-1 by Valencia at Ramon-Sanchez Pizjuan.
      Javi Guerra struck an 88th minute winner for the visitors, after Sevilla defender Loic Bade was red carded.
      What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
      As mentioned, City will have to do without star man De Bruyne.
      Guardiola admitted that his star man may have to go under the knife, saying: “We have to decide on surgery but he will be a few months out.”
      Ruben Dias will miss out with concussion, while Bernardo Silva is ill.
      Joao Cancelo is fit but has not been named in the travelling squad.
      John Stones is back in contention, having made the trip to Greece.
      Sevilla were without Marcao, Tanguy Nianzou and Alfonso Pastor Vacas against Valencia.
      Who will be the star men?
      Despite the loss of De Bruyne, City are still stacked with top quality talent.
      In the Belgian’s absence, the Treble winners could look to Phil Foden to provide their creative spark.
      Sevilla will hope that forward Youssef En-Nesyri can grab them a goal.
      The Moroccan got off the mark for the season by scoring against Valencia on Friday night.
      Phil Foden will be eager to return to prominence this season
      Youssef En-Nesyri is Sevilla’s best goal-getter
      What have the managers said?
      Guardiola was asked if City finally winning the Champions League would take the pressure off his side.
      He said: “It’s a relief. To tell you that you can be seven years without winning the Champions League, it’s difficult to win. It’s not enough, otherwise we leave everyone at home because we have done it.
      “We are hungry enough to compete, to challenge ourselves. If someone wants to take our three crowns they can fight us to take it.”
      Ahead of the match, Mendilibar said: “I’m happy to be here, to have won for the club, which was having a hard time when we got here.
      “We have done something good that can have repercussions for the good of the club.”
      SunSport prediction
      Sevilla might be Europa League specialists, but they struggle to translate that form against the continent’s true elite.
      For that reason, it’s difficult to look beyond a comfortable City win, despite the loss of De Bruyne.
      SunSport predicts: Man City 3 Sevilla 0
      When is Man City vs Sevilla?

      Man City vs Sevilla will take place on Wednesday, August 16.
      Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
      The Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, Greece will play host.

      What TV channel is Man City vs Sevilla on and can it be live streamed?

      Man City vs Sevilla will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1.
      TNT Sports customers can live stream all the action via the TNT Sports app/ website.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.

      What are the odds?
      Match result

      Man City – 4/11
      Draw – 15/4
      Sevilla – 15/2

      To lift the trophy
      Read More on The Sun

      Man City – 1/6
      Sevilla – 7/2

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      I’m a former Chelsea star who knocked Arsenal’s invincibles out of the Champions League – now I’m a rally car driver

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      FORMER Chelsea goalkeeper Marco Ambrosio has had an unexpected career change following his retirement from football.The Italian shot-stopper featured just 12 times for Chelsea during his brief spell in London, but became a fan favourite for his Champions League heroics.
      Marco Ambrosio spent one season in the Premier League with ChelseaCredit: Getty
      He is now a rally car driver in ItalyCredit: Instagram @ambrosiomarco
      Ambrosio played in between the sticks for both legs of The Blues’ clash against Arsenal in the 2003/04 Champions League quarter-finals.
      Chelsea ended up winning 3-2 on aggregate and progressed through to the semi-finals where they would ultimately go out to Monaco.
      But Ambrosio’s heroics helped Claudio Ranieri’s side prevail against Arsenal’s Invincibles squad which featured the likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira.
      Despite Ambrosio’s superb stand-in performance for Chelsea number one, Carlo Cudicini, he left the club at the end of the season.
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      He later had spells at Italian clubs Brescia and Reggiana as well spending a brief period in Switzerland playing for Super League club Grasshopper.
      Ambrosio then retired in 2013 and has since got behind the wheel to pursue a career in motorsports.
      The former goalkeeper regularly shares snaps with his Instagram followers of his rally car back in Italy.
      He has just 532 followers on the social media platform, but uses his account to update his old fans on his speed-filled exploits.
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      The 50-year-old previously spoke about how he knew his time at Chelsea would be coming to an end when former owner Roman Abramovich took over the club.
      Speaking to The Times he said: “I was surprised Chelsea asked me to sign, but I knew I would be second choice. It would have been difficult but for Carlo [Cudicini]. He helped me rent a house and get to know London.
      “Abramovich’s arrival changed everything. I knew that sooner or later Chelsea would sign another keeper. I had no problem with that.” More

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      I’m the only Englishman to play in a Champions League final but never for England – I was even Man of the Match

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      ONLY one English player has ever played in the Champions League final, but never represented the England national team. Jermaine Pennant never got the chance to play for England at a senior level, despite putting in a Man of the Match performance for Liverpool during the 2007 Champions League final against AC Milan.
      Jermaine Pennant was Man of the Match in the 2007 Champions League finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Liverpool team-mates Peter Crouch, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard all played for England throughout their careersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Pennant is the only Englishman to have played in a Champions League final since the competition’s rebrand in 1992 to have never represented the national teamCredit: Getty
      He did make a number appearances for the Three Lions at U21s levelCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Pennant was playing for the Reds as they lost 2-1 in a game which saw the Italians take revenge for the Miracle of Istanbul in 2005.
      Now retired, the former winger was just 24 years old when he took to the field in Greece that evening and managed to set up Liverpool’s only goal.
      Despite his impressive performance he still never got the call to wear the Three Lions on his chest.
      Pennant spoke about the disappointment of not representing his country and admitted it was frustrating for him as a player.
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      Speaking to FourFourTwo with Bettingsites.co.uk he said: “Looking back, I would say it was frustrating, especially when I’m getting the Man of the Match award in a Champions League final.
      “That whole first season at Liverpool was a highlight for me, ending with a European final.
      “But, when you look at the history of it, I’m the only Englishman to play in a Champions League final and not be called up to the national team, or play in the national team, or get a cap. 
      “It was frustrating. It was never down to my ability. It probably had more to do with things that were going on off the pitch.”
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      Pennant was well known for his off the pitch antics, but was also highly rated for his on the pitch ability.
      Despite not making his senior debut for England he did represent his nation at u21 level 24 times whilst on the books at Arsenal.
      The now 40-year-old’s career took a turn following the Champions League final after he struggled to maintain a place with a top side.
      He was sent on loan to Portsmouth before having spells at Stoke City, Real Zaragoza, Wigan Athletic, Billericay Town and Indian side Pune City. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo given brutal backhanded compliment by opponent he posed with after Al Nassr cup win

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was the victim of a brutal backhanded compliment from Iraqi midfielder Ahmed Zero.The 20-year-old stood next to Ronaldo on Wednesday night after his side suffered a 1-0 defeat against Al Nassr in the Arab Club Champions Cup.

      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner converted a late penalty to secure his side a place in Saturday’s final against rivals Al Hilal.
      And after the game, Zero was fortunate enough to get a photo alongside the football legend.
      But, the young midfielder took the opportunity to fire a subtle dig at the former Real-Madrid star.
      In a sensational move, Zero posted the selfie on his Instagram alongside the caption: “With the second best player in history”.

      And this has sparked a colossal reaction from football fans on social media.
      For two decades, fans have bickered over who is the ‘Greatest of All Time’.
      One Twitter follower said: “He knows ball because he knows Messi is the best player”.
      A second fan added: “We all agreed that Ronaldo was behind Messi in the GOAT standings”.
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      A third declared: No way! What about Pele and Maradona?”.
      A fourth joked: “He clearly knows ball. Only Ronaldo fans think he’s number 1”.
      However, Ronaldo loyalists responded in equal measure, sparking a huge debate online.
      One Ronaldo fan wrote: “Cristiano is the best football player in history. That is the truth”.
      Another added: “But nobody knows who Ahmed Zero is”.
      A third stated: “Begging for a picture, then trying to be funny – what a low level move”.
      Last month, Ronaldo publicly declared that the Saudi Pro League is “better” than Major League Soccer, and will soon become one of the top five leagues in the world.
      A number of top names have moved to Saudi Arabia this summer, including Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson.
      Of course, Lionel Messi – Ronaldo’s long-time rival – instead opted to join David Beckham’s MLS side Inter Miami this summer.
      Read More on The Sun
      The superstar enjoyed a dream start to life in Miami scoring a last gasp free kick on his debut.
      Elsewhere, Ronaldo will square off against former Madrid teammate Benzema in the final of the Arab Cup at the King Fahd Stadium on August 12. More