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      Nicolas Anelka tells Kylian Mbappe he can only win Ballon d’Or at seven clubs including Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal

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      NICOLAS ANELKA is urging Kylian Mbappe to consider taking his red-hot striking skills to one of England’s or Spain’s football giants.Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona or a club in Italy are among the destinations suggested by the former Gunner in a heartfelt letter published by The Athletic. 
      Nicolas Anelka believes Kylian Mbappe can boost his chances of winning a Ballon d’Or by moving to Spain, Italy of EnglandCredit: Reuters
      Anelka, 42, sees England’s top-flight as Europe’s toughest leagueCredit: AFP
      The retired France striker is advising Mbappe on where to go if he wishes to win a Ballon d’Or.  
      Mbappe, 22, has emerged as one of Europe’s most feared forwards.
      He finished as Ligue One’s top scorer last term netting 27 goals in 31 top-flight games for Paris Saint-Germain. 
      The former Monaco starlet sealed a humongous £162milion September 2017 transfer to the Parc des Princes on an initial season-long loan followed by a four-year deal. 
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      Anelka, 42, wrote: “The French league is not easy, don’t get me wrong, but I think the toughest league is in England. 
      “So, if you want to be one of the best, then do what you do in Paris but with Chelsea or United or Arsenal or Manchester City or Liverpool. 
      “Or go to Spain to Madrid or Barcelona. Or maybe Italy. 
      “You have done so well since coming through at Monaco and taking it to a new level at Paris-Saint Germain.
      “It seems you will stay for another year, then there is a big choice to make. 
      “You have at least two choices — stay in Paris or move to Real Madrid. Both of them can win the Champions League these days. 
      “When I was at PSG, that wasn’t the case. That choice depends on what you want to achieve in football. 
      “If you want the biggest accolades, you will have to move from PSG at some point. 
      “The best leagues are in England and Spain, so you didn’t compete with the best players in the best league.
      “You will have to decide. If you want to win the Ballon d’Or, which is what you should be looking at to echo Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, you will have to compete with the best. 
      “You can’t say you compete with the best all the time when you are at PSG.”
      Mbappe finished as Ligue One’s top scorer in the 2020-21 seasonCredit: Getty

      Mbappe, who was born in Paris, has one year left on his current deal with Ligue 1 side. 
      And the player has been linked with a move from the French giants with Real Madrid and Liverpool thought to be interested.  
      Reflections from Anelka, who hung up his boots in January 2016, come a week after France suffered a shock knockout loss to Switzerland in the Euro 2020 last 16. 
      The PSG ace Mbappe saw his spot-kick effort saved by Switzerland keeper Yann Sommer which led to Les Bleus’ exit from the tournament. 
      And for Anelka, the dramatic moment brought back memories of his 2008 Champions League final penalty shot for Chelsea
      His strike was saved by Manchester United’s Edwin van de Sar. 
      Mbappe penalty against Switzerland was saved in the Euros 2020 last-16 knockout stagesCredit: pixel8000
      Anelka says Mbappe’s penalty drama reminded him of his penalty being saved in the 2008 Champions League finalCredit: PA:Press Association
      The save led to a third trophy win in the tournament for the Red Devils who won 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 finish in extra time. 
       The former Stamford Bridge star added: “A penalty shootout is the best way to settle a match when you are victorious but when you are vanquished it is very cruel. 
      “For me, it happened in Moscow, in the Champions League final with Chelsea in 2008. It was our seventh penalty. 
      “Edwin van der Sar made a save for Manchester United and Chelsea’s loss was on my shoulders. 
      “I found it very difficult for two or three months. Coming back to play with the team for the next season, looking the players in the eyes, was really tough. 
      “It was only through the act of playing, and scoring goals, that I could overcome the ordeal there.”
      Mbappe has been linked with Liverpool and Real MadridCredit: AFP
      Anelka, who quit his role as sports director of fourth-tier French club Hyères in May, began his journey as a senior pro in 1996 at PSG. 
      The former France international, who has 69 senior international caps, underwent spells at Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester City between 1997 and 2005. 
      Anelka later played for seven different sides over ten years –  including Chelsea, Bolton Wanderers and West Brom Albion- between 2005 and 2015.
      Jose Mourinho reveals why France went out of Euro 2020 More

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      Champions League and Europa League away goals rule SCRAPPED by Uefa in radical law change ahead of new season

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      UEFA have confirmed a major change for next season’s Champions League and Europa League – by scrapping the away goals rule.The law previously gave a significant advantage to sides who hit the back of the net on the road, but drew criticism from many fans.
      ⚽ The away goals rule will be removed from all UEFA club competitions from the 2021/22 season.Ties in which the two teams score the same number of goals over the two legs will now have two 15-minute periods of extra time, and, if required, penalty kicks.#UCL #UWCL #UEL #UYL— UEFA (@UEFA) June 24, 2021

      On Thursday, Uefa announced the rule had been ditched after long negotiations over its role in the modern game.
      SunSport revealed in April that plans were initially afoot to only count away goals scored inside 90 minutes, not extra-time.
      But European football’s governing body will now go ahead with plans to completely scrap the rule.
      It means all knockout ties level after two legs will go to extra-time and then, if necessary, penalties.

      Uefa data outlined how the disadvantage of playing away from home has decreased in recent decades.
      Matches were won by the home team at a rate of 61 per cent in the mid-1970s, a figure which has dropped to 47 per cent nowadays.

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      Andrea Iniesta’s away goal took Barcelona to the 2009 Champions League finalCredit: PA:Press Association
      Lucas Moura’s comeback hat-trick took Tottenham to the final on away goals in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor
      And away wins have almost doubled in regularity – from 19 per cent to 30 per cent.
      Modern times have seen advances in player fitness, recovery and travel welfare to lessen the impact of trips across the continent.
      Fans have also voiced concerns over the impact the rule had on entertainment value, something Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin was keen to stress at Thursday’s announcement.
      He said: “The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose.
      “In fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage.
      “It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was.
      “Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the UEFA Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home.”
      The away goals rule has contributed to a number of huge results over the years, although it is difficult to say that games would have played out exactly the same had it not been present at the time.

      Andres Iniesta hit a late equaliser against Chelsea to take Barcelona to the 2009 final in a match better remembered for refereeing controversy.
      Ten years later and it was Tottenham sneaking through after Lucas Moura’s hat-trick in Amsterdam overturned Ajax’s semi-final lead.
      Spurs had also relied on away goals to edge Manchester City in the previous round, going through 4-4 on aggregate thanks to a Fernando Llorente strike in a mad 4-3 defeat at the Etihad.
      Roma bounced back from a 4-1 first-leg quarter-final defeat to Barcelona in 2018, progressing thanks to Kostas Manolas’ late header that sealed a 3-0 Stadio Olimpico triumph.
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      Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus WILL play Champions League next season as Uefa halt ESL disciplinary proceedings

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      UEFA have suspended their disciplinary investigation into Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus following a Swiss court warning.The trio looked set to be handed a severe punishment for their role in the European Super League breakaway plot.
      English fans helped quash the European Super League but three clubs remain intentCredit: EPA
      Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are fighting any punishmentCredit: Getty
      That could have seen them banned from next season’s Champions League – but any sanctions have been put on hold.
      Uefa confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that they will attempt to restart the proceedings in due course.
      It read: “Following the opening of disciplinary proceedings against Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid for a potential violation of Uefa’s legal framework in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’ project, the Uefa Appeals Body has decided to stay the proceedings until further notice.
      “Uefa understands why the disciplinary proceedings needed to be suspended for the time being, but remains confident in and will continue to defend its position in all the relevant jurisdictions.
      “Uefa will take all necessary steps in strict accordance with national and EU law in order for the Uefa Appeals Body to be in a position to resume the disciplinary proceedings as soon as possible.”
      Earlier this week, reports in Spain detailed a warning from the Swiss Justice Ministry against Nyon-based Uefa taking action on the trio.

      Those involved claim a court ruling in Madrid legitimised the ESL bid and the judge responsible is said to be looking for the European Court of Justice to back the judgement.
      There is a fear that anti-monopoly laws would mean any punishment is revoked on appeal.
      Nevertheless, Uefa have already obtained an apology and reduced the prize money of the other nine clubs involved in April’s debacle.
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      The six Premier League clubs, plus Inter Milan, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid have all formally apologised and accepted a five per cent cut in prize money for next season – worth as much as £6million.
      Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City settled the issue with the Prem on Wednesday.
      Each club will pay a £3.6m fine for their role in the plot – with a further £25m and 30 points lost if they do it again.
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      Classy N’Golo Kante lets Chelsea fan wear his Champions League medal after he makes midfielder custom shirt

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      N’GOLO KANTE proved his humility and class once again – by allowing a fan wear his Champions League medal.The Chelsea midfielder posed for photos with the supporter after he was presented with a custom-made shirt.
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      Kante let this Chelsea fan wear his Champions League medal after he made him a custom shirt 👏💙(via Abu Bakr Bapube/Facebook) pic.twitter.com/qAmaK6ajCH— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 6, 2021

      Kitted out in a black jacket, grey beanie and facemask, he held up the homemade Blues jersey, complete with ‘Kante 7′ stitched on to the back.
      The fan wore a traditional blue Muslim thobe and a beaming smile as he held up the shiny medal.
      In a second photo shared on social media, he kissed the golden medal complete with the Uefa stars.
      Kante played a crucial role in Chelsea’s charge to European glory.
      He was named man of the match in both legs of the semi-final against Real Madrid and then again as Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Manchester City in the final.
      As a result, he also became just the sixth player to win the Champions League, Premier League and World Cup.
      And Kante will be hoping to add another medal to his growing collection this summer.
      The ex-Leicester sensation is on course to play a key role in France’s Euro 2020 bid.

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      Didier Deschamps’ world champions head into the tournament among the favourites.
      Emmanuel Petit reckons Kante is the best player in the squad, ahead of the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann.
      He told SunSport: “If he has a great European tournament, he should get this personal prize [the Ballon d’Or].
      “He’s a great lad, great humility, great character on the pitch. When you play with him in your team, you play with 12 players.
      “I would have loved to have played with him – to play with him and Patrick [Vieira] in midfield.
      “For me, Kante is the soul of the national team.
      “When you ask people in the street, ‘Who is the best player in the national team?’ They will always say, ‘Mbappe or Benzema or Griezmann.’
      “But for me – in this team – it’s Kante.”
      N’Golo Kante was a key figure in the Chelsea side that won the Champions League this seasonCredit: AFP

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      Watch Jorginho celebrate Chelsea’s Champions League win at Italian restaurant as staff bring out ‘trophy’ of food

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      CHELSEA midfielder Jorginho was presented with a ‘trophy of food’ by restaurant staff in celebration of the Blues’ Champions League win.The Italian played every minute of the West Londoners’ 1-0 final victory over Manchester City in Porto and he was given a hero’s welcome on his return to the UK.
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      Jorginho was presented with a trophy of food after Chelsea’s Champions League winCredit: Twitter
      The midfielder played every minute of Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Man City in the finalCredit: Twitter
      Jorginho, 29, was dining out at a West London Italian restaurant with two companions when he was surprised by stafdeserf.
      Waiters and waitresses carried the giant ‘trophy-like’ glass filled with dessert over to his table and the Blues ace was visibly moved.
      The iconic Champions League theme tune played in the background as staff applauded the victorious star.
      He was kissed on the forehead before covering his face in a video of the presentation posted online.
      Jorginho then looked up with a huge smile on his face as he exchanged some words with the workers.
      Onlookers smiled and clapped as the Italy international was overcome by the kind gesture before trying to lift the trophy aloft.
      The Brazilian born former Napoli ace also hit headlines after Chelsea won their second Champions League by shaving his beard off on the pitch in Portugal.
      Jorginho made a bet with TNT Sports journalist Fred Caldeira after the quarter-final victory against Porto.
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      Staff at a restaurant in West London presented the Italian with the giftCredit: Twitter
      A giant ‘trophy-like’ glass was filled with dessertCredit: Twitter
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      The terms were that Caldeira would be able to remove most of Jorginho’s facial hair if Chelsea won the European Cup.
      And the former Napoli midfielder would be able to shave off the reporter’s moustache.
      Both men were left fresh-faced following the Blues’ 1-0 win against Manchester City with an electric shaver pulled out during the pair’s post-match interview.
      Jorginho was first up as he had his beard removed, before Caldeira had his moustache taken off by the ex-Hellas Verona ace.
      Both men then were left shocked by their new appearance as they looked at themselves in a phone camera.
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      Jorginho shaved his beard off after the Champions League final

      Chelsea staff carefully place second Champions League trophy in their cabinet after its arrival at Stamford Bridge More

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      Watch Chelsea staff carefully place second Champions League trophy in their cabinet after its arrival at Stamford Bridge

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      THIS is the moment Chelsea staff carefully placed the club’s second Champions League trophy alongside the rest of their collection at Stamford Bridge.The Blues secured Europe’s major prize a week ago with a stunning 1-0 win over highly-lauded Manchester City.
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      Chelsea finally got to add their second Champions League to their trophy cabinet
      Staff treated the piece of silverware tenderly as they put it on display at Stamford Bridge
      Kai Havertz’s strike just before the break was enough for Thomas Tuchel’s men to seal the deal.
      And the magnificent Champions League trophy was finally laid to rest in Stamford Bridge’s bulging trophy cabinet after making the trip from Porto.
      Chelsea’s latest success looks set to pave the way for even more silverware under Tuchel.
      The German tactician has already extended his contract until 2024, having only joined the club in January.
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      And a second successive major transfer spree is set to be back by owner Roman Abramovich.
      It’s believed Tuchel is targeting a new striker, central midfielder and at least one defender.
      Among those linked with moves to London include Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
      Meanwhile, the Blues have begun a mini squad clear-out by releasing goalkeeper Willy Caballero and midfielder Marco van Ginkel.
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      Chelsea beat Man City to win Europe’s biggest prize last weekendCredit: AP

      Fringe players like Tiemoue Bakayoko, Davide Zappacosta and Emerson Palmieri are also set to be sold.
      And Chelsea will receive £24million when Fikayo Tomori makes his AC Milan loan permanent.
      But veteran stars Thiago Silva and Olivier Giroud will be sticking around for at least one more year after having their contracts automatically extended.

      Jeremy Clarkson celebrates with Chelsea fans after Champions League victory More

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      Watch inside Chelsea’s Champions League celebrations as Abramovich meets Tuchel for first time and hugs stars

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      CHELSEA have shared scenes from their Champions League triumph showing Thomas Tuchel and Roman Abramovich meeting for the first time.The two can be seen embracing on the pitch at the Estadio do Dragao following Kai Havertz’s match-winner against Manchester City last Saturday.
      Roman Abramovich and Thomas Tuchel embraced for the first time following the Champions League finalCredit: Chelsea FC
      Tuchel is set to be handed a new deal by Chelsea after guiding the club to European gloryCredit: Chelsea FC
      Abramovich hasn’t watched his side live in the UK since 2018 due to visa issues, but was caught on cameras revelling in the celebrations from the Blues’ second European Cup.
      The Russian billionaire also gave club captain Cesar Azpilicueta a big hug, with the Spaniard telling him: “I don’t know where the trophy is.
      “But we’re giving it to you because it yours.”
      To which a gleeful Abramovich simply said: “Thank you.”
      The 54-year-old is then seen shaking hands with German gaffer Tuchel in what was the their first meeting since his appointment in January.
      Commenting after the victory over the Citizens, Tuchel remarked: “I think I have a new contract already.
      “My manager said something to me about it – but I don’t know for sure. It was a special moment to meet the owner for the first time on the pitch.
      “It was the best time for that – or maybe the worst because it can only get worse after this.”
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      Cesar Azpilicueta and Abramovich shared a hug after the Blues beat Manchester City 1-0Credit: Chelsea FC
      Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham could be seen dancing in the dressing room following the Champions League triumphCredit: Chelsea FC
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      Before adding: “I can assure him I’ll stay hungry, that I want the next title, I feel absolutely happy and part of a really ambitious club and a strong group that suits my beliefs and passions about football in this moment perfectly.
      “My desire is go for more victories, my desire is to push the group from the first day of next season to the limit.
      “We have work to do to close the gap and this is what I am all about. It will be nice to meet him a bit closer.
      “We are in contact, not personal, but we are in constant contact. He knows what’s going on from me directly. It was nice to meet him.”
      The clip shared by Chelsea on Twitter ends with the dressing room celebrations where a number of players are dancing to Fatman Scoop’s Be Faithful.
      German defender Antonio Rudiger is celebrating for the second time in a week following the birth of his second child.
      Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game in Saturday’s meeting against the CitizensCredit: Chelsea FC
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      Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger becomes dad for second time just days after Champions League triumph over Man City

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER capped a fantastic week on and off the pitch by welcoming the birth of his second child.The Chelsea defender, 28, even hailed his recent Champions League win by naming the tot Aaliyah Trophy Rudiger.

      On Wednesday night, the proud father posted a snap of himself in the hospital with his newborn.
      He tweeted: “Alhamdulillah for everything – God always has a better plan than we do!!!
      “Aaliyah Trophy Rüdiger – My biggest ‘Trophy’ ☝🏾🤲🏾❤️ Proud dad for the 2nd time.”
      Fans and pals were among the first to congratulate Rudiger and his family.
      Michy Batshuayi replied ‘congrats brother!’ while the Chelsea Twitter account wrote: “Congratulations to you and your family, Toni!”
      Cesc Fabregas commented ‘Congrats my man. God bless you all’ and former Roma team-mate Radja Nainggolan added: “So happy for you bro❤️❤️.”
      Marco van Ginkel, Daniele De Rossi, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Mahmoud Dahoud were among those to also send in their best wishes.
      The German does not tend to reveal much about his private life on social media but did welcome the birth of his first child early last year.

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      Antonio Rudiger named his child ‘Trophy’ following his Champions League winCredit: PA

      Saturday’s Champions League final win over Manchester City delivered his third trophy with the Blues, adding to his FA Cup and Europa League.
      Rudiger spent much of the first-half of the season on the bench before being welcomed back into the team by Thomas Tuchel.
      In March, the centre-back treated local NHS staff for their work in the pandemic with a special lunch.
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