Champions League

PETER SCHMEICHEL did not hold back as he savaged Manchester City supporters after their Champions League opener.The former goalkeeper also told Micah Richards to “leave the studio” during his brutal post-match assessment.Peter Schmeichel savaged Manchester City fans in his assessment of their draw with Inter MilanCredit: CBSThe former City goalkeeper also told Micah Richards to ‘leave the studio’ during his rantCredit: CBSSchmeichel appeared live on CBS Sports’ Golazo show following Wednesday night’s action.He had been at the Etihad Stadium to watch his old club host Inter Milan in a replay of the 2023 final.However, Schmeichel was less-than impressed with the atmosphere created by the 50,922 fans during an underwhelming goalless draw.Speaking from the Etihad, he explained: “I don’t think it was a good draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I thought it was a really, really boring game and I’m sorry to say that. I thought Inter did really well in stopping Man City.”Jamie Carragher then prompted Schmeichel to elaborate, to which he added: “Because I love good football and I like excitement from the crowd. It was dead. I mean the Etihad today was absolutely dead.”The only people we could hear were the Inter supporters, who were quite good, but there was no atmosphere in the Etihad today.”Normally, you’d think ‘well big European night’, but it didn’t happen for them.”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFellow ex-City man Richards interrupted the Dane, though, whilst wearing the club’s new fourth shirt under his blazer.The pundit exclaimed: “Are you disrespecting my club like this? What’s happening?”Man City debut ‘Oasis kit’ but unveiling massively backfires as fans call it ‘worst ever’ and compare it to iconic sweetUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.Schmeichel jokingly replied: “Micah, Micah, once in a while, leave the studio, come out and experience it. Don’t just sit there and judge us for what we’re saying.”Richards hit back by saying: “I was there on Saturday, Pete,” but the 60-year-old was having none of it.He continued: “They might have left all the atmosphere there on Saturday because, honestly, it was so flat.”Schmeichel ended his career with City in 2003 after a single season for the club.Schmeichel was left unimpressed with the atmosphere inside the Etihad StadiumCredit: CBSHowever, he did praise the travelling Inter supporters on Wednesday nightCredit: GettyIt came after he previously won 13 trophies with bitter rivals Manchester United, including the treble in 1999.City are at home once again on Sunday as they return to league action against Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, their next Champions League fixture is away to Slovan Bratislava on October 1.Fans will have the chance to see European action at the Etihad again on October 23, when Sparta Prague are the visitors. More

MICAH RICHARDS was left with his head in his hands after Jamie Carragher revealed a secret role he had in Kasper Schmeichel’s career.Richards and Carragher were on the CBS panel for the broadcaster’s coverage of the Champions League.Micah Richards was left in an awkward moment on CBSCredit: CBSJamie Carragher told a story of Richards and Kasper Schmeichel to the goalkeeper’s father PeterCredit: CBSPeter Schmeichel did not believe the storyCredit: CBSDuring the show, Premier League legend Peter Schmeichel was featured, giving his analysis of the evening’s action.This included Borussia Dortmund’s 3-0 win over Belgian outfit Club Brugge and Celtic’s stunning 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava.Schmeichel insisted that he is keen to go to the match between the German giants and Scottish outfit Celtic.However, the Dane would prefer to be among the Celtic supporters so he can cheer on his son Kasper.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRichards asked the retired goalkeeper if he would be able to join him at the Signal Iduna Park.Schmeichel admitted that he would “love” for the former Manchester City to join him at the match.However, Carragher tried to put a stop to the meeting with a story involving Richards and Schmeichel’s son.The former Liverpool star said: “Peter if you are going to be together, you need to know a little secret about what happened between Micah and your son at the youth team at Manchester City.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Kasper was a year above him [Richards] and there was a bit of friction about who was the top dog and main man.”Micah kept it with him when he made it to the first-team.’It was dead,’ says Peter Schmeichel as he savages Man City supporters and tells Micah Richards ‘leave the studio’Schmeichel is currently playing for CelticCredit: ReutersHe spent some of his early career at Manchester CityCredit: ReutersHe left the club after falling behind Joe Hart in the pecking orderCredit: Reuters”God rest his soul Sven Goran Eriksson asked him who he should choose to be the first-team goalkeeper as he was not sure whether it should be Joe Hart or Kasper.”He plumped for Joe Hart because of the friction he had from years before.”Despite the story, Schmeichel refused to believe him and insisted that Richards still goes with him to Dortmund.He did add that he and Richards would interview Kasper after the game to see if there is “friction” between the two.Richards then said that he and the goalkeeper were good friends and that there is “no story to tell”.Hart broke into the Manchester City first team initially in 2007 as he replaced Andreas Isaksson.Schmeichel left the club in 2009 for Notts County and eventually worked his way back to the Premier League with Leicester City.The Dane was a part of the Foxes side that won the title in 2016.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe left the East Midlands side in 2022 and, after a spell at Nice in France, made the move to Celtic to replace Hart in the summer.Hart went on to be a star for the Citizens as he won two Premier League titles and won the Goalkeeper of the Season award three times.Kasper won the Premier League with Leicester City in 2016Credit: GettyUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

IVAN PERISIC has joined a new club, just 76 days after signing for Croatian side Hajduk Split.The winger, 35, spent the bulk of last season recovering from a devastating ACL injury.Ivan Perisic was in action for Croatia at Euro 2024Credit: GettyPerisic, 35, was in action for Spurs last season before being struck down by injuryCredit: RexHe began the 2023-24 campaign as a Tottenham super-sub under Ange Postecoglou.But following appearances in the first five Premier League games of last season, Perisic suffered a nasty injury in training – effectively ending his Spurs career.In January, while still recovering, he moved to boyhood club Hajduk Split – determined to bring them silverware.He initially moved on loan for the remainder of the season, but agreed a deal to make the switch permanent in the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing reported disagreements with boss Gennaro Gattuso, however, Perisic has now moved on to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.Upon sealing the deal, the Croatia veteran admitted his excitement at contending for big trophies again, while revealing which former Inter Milan team-mate advised him on the move.He said: “Ever since I became a free player, I was hoping for an option like this: a club and an environment that I liked and with which I could win trophies.”(Denzel) Dumfries gave me advice and that only convinced me that PSV is the right move. I can’t wait to get started, give my all and win trophies.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPerisic has signed for PSV EindhovenHaving recovered from his ACL injury, Perisic returned to action for Hajduk in April.Speaking to Croatian outlet Dalmatinski, the former Spurs man claimed that he risked his career by returning so soon.Tottenham CONFIRM Ivan Perisic free transfer as star posts emotional goodbye message to Inter Milan after seven years He said: “I came to Hajduk in the hope that together we will realise our dream and take the title.”I had a good contract at Tottenham, and even when I was injured, I had an excellent offer from a big foreign club, where I would have fantastic conditions for rehabilitation and at least the same chance to play, as I had here.”Instead, at the invitation of the club management and the fans, I chose a life without a family living abroad in the hope that I can help fight for the title and place in the group stage of the Champions League.”Whatever condition I was in, at any moment, and even when I entered the game in the cup match against Dinamo, beyond the recommendations of all doctors, risking an injury that would end my career, I did my best to achieve a common goal.’I REJECTED OFFERS FROM SERIOUS CLUBS'”From the first day until today, I have adhered to agreements, contracts, set rules, but also spoken words, and twice after the Euros I rejected offers from serious clubs to help [Split] this summer.”Following eight appearances for Hadjuk at the back end of last season, Perisic played at Euro 2024 for Croatia.He then returned to Hadjuk on a permanent basis, with Gattuso being hired as the club’s new manager, and Ivan Rakitic arriving as another star signing.After just four appearances this season, however, and having rejected an offer from Sevilla, Perisic was on the move once again.He added: “Well, I guess it’s clear to everyone that I didn’t choose Hajduk and Split because of money or healthcare.”In my desire to help, I put my health and my family on the back burner many times and I don’t regret it because I don’t know any other way, but on Sunday evening someone else stepped forward and decided that he no longer needed my help.”As for last season, unfortunately, we failed. As hard as failure feels to me as it does to all the guys and all the fans who have been waiting for the title for almost 20 years, failure is the same part of football.”Since I’m comfortable in my skin, I have been looking at Hajduk as something big and I will behave [professionally] in a moment that is extremely difficult for me and my family.”I wish the club all the luck, victory on Thursday, placement in Europe and winning the title, regardless of whoever is at the club.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPerisic will now have the opportunity to play in the Champions League for his new club.PSV were in European action on Tuesday, but fell 3-1 at Juventus. More

SPARTA PRAGUE midfielder Qazim Laci scored a Mesut Ozil-esque goal against RB Salzburg on Wednesday.The 28-year-old fired his team to a 3-0 win over Salzburg in the Champions League with a composed strike.Qazim Laci scored a stunning goal for Sparta Prague on WednesdayCredit: EPAThe midfielder left three players on the floor with an impressive turnCredit: EPALaci then passed the ball into an open netCredit: ReutersWith the Austrian side already 2-0 up, Laci received a short pass from Victor Olatunji around 10 yards out from goal.But rather than shooting first time, he took the ball with his right foot before sharply cutting inside onto his left.He took three players – including goalkeeper Janis Blaswich – out in the process before passing his shot into the bottom-left corner with ease.Fans were left in awe of the goal and took to social media to react.Read More in FootballOne person wrote: “Qazim Laci just sent THREE Salzburg players for a hot dog!”Another commented: “He is sooooooo good.”While a third likened it to Ozil’s stunning goal against Ludogorets, adding: “Reminds me of that Ozil goal.”The former Germany international scored the goal of his career to fire Arsenal to a 3-2 victory against Ludogorets in 2016.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter receiving a long pass from Mohamed Elneny, he chipped the goalkeeper and left two players on the floor before slotting the ball into an empty net.Ozil’s last-gasp goal secured three points for Arsenal in the Champions League group stage.David Beckham reveals shock career change as he confirms incredible new show to celebrate Champions League’s returnThe Gunners are back in European action tonight when they face Atalanta. More

GIRONA were denied a historic point against Paris Saint-Germain thanks to a late howler from Paulo Gazzaniga. The former Spurs and Fulham goalkeeper made a 90th-minute gaff to hand PSG all three points at the Parc des Princes. Paulo Gazzaniga’s late error handed PSG a 1-0 win over GironaCredit: TNT SportsThe former Spurs keeper let the ball run through his body as the clock ticked over to 90 minutesCredit: TNT SportsThe La Liga side had held their own against the French giantsCredit: AFPGirona are playing in the Champions League this season for the first time in their 94-year history.The club have hauled themselves from the fifth tier of Spanish football to Europe’s elite.And they more than held their own against a star-studded PSG in the French capital. Girona appeared to be cruising towards a point when a desperate Nuno Mendes drove to the byline in the 90th minute.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe PSG full-back sent over a wayward low cross, angling it straight at the well-positioned stopper. Gazzaniga went down to collect the ball, only for it to spurt through his grasp and between his legs.The 32-year-old sank to his knees as the ball rolled agonisingly into the corner, handing a jubilant PSG a 1-0 win. One fan gasped in response: “Football is a cruel game.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother joked: “Gazzaniga unleashing his inner Spurs.”While a third added: “Gazzaniga is just as good as I remember.”The Spanish city of Girona that rivals Barcelona Following the contest, Girona manager Míchel Sanchez threw his support behind the keeper. Sanchez said: “Mistakes are part of the game.”Gazzaniga made three incredible saves…mistakes are forgivable, but a lack of attitude is not. “That mistake by Gazzaniga is mine.”Sanchez added that the stopper “has our full confidence.”New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season.Gazzaniga’s journey has taken him from League Two with Gillingham all the way to the Champions League.He joined Southampton from the Gills in 2012, before spells with Tottenham and Fulham.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast season, Gazzaniga was a near ever-present as Girona stunned La Liga to finish third behind giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. They return to action in the CL against Dutch side Feyenoord on October 2. More