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      Champions League club part ways with manager after just ONE GAME of new format following dubious record

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      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE club has axed its manager after just one game in the tournament’s new format.There have been a mixture of opinions about the new system as the increased number of fixtures has players concerned for their welfare.Sergej Jakirovic has been sacked by Dinamo ZagrebCredit: GettyHis side were beaten 9-2 in the Champions League by Bayern MunichCredit: GettyHarry Kane scored four goals in the gameCredit: APDespite concerns, the first two matchdays have served up some thrilling games and lots of goals.The most goals came in Bayern Munich’s 9-2 drubbing of Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night.As a result of the match, Dinamo have parted ways with their manager Sergej Jakirovic.A club statement read: “GNK Dinamo would like to inform the public that a mutual termination of the contract with the former coach of the Blues, Sergej Jakirović, has been agreed upon.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The first team will be led in the short term until a decision on a new long-term coaching solution is made by former member of the professional staff, Sandro Perkovic.”We thank Sergej Jakirovic from the bottom of our hearts for everything he has given for our club and wish him the best of luck and success in his future career.”We hereby appeal to the media and the public to be understanding towards Sergej Jakirovic and his family and not to worsen an already stressful situation.”Dinamo president Velimir Zajec – who had a spell as interim manager of Portsmouth – thanked the coach for his efforts but insisted the club’s interests must come first.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “First of all, I want to thank Sergej Jakirovic for all the results he achieved.”We had a pleasant cooperation, he left an impression on me of a quality person and I wish him the best of luck in his future career.’Brain-breaking’ intro to Champions League MOTD divides fans as BBC decision shows ‘game has never been more gone'”The most important thing in these situations is to remain human, and to put Dinamo’s interests first.”It is now up to all of us to make a quality decision about a new coach in this difficult moment for Dinamo and to return to winning ways.”The heavy defeat to Bayern saw the German club set a number of records.It is the first time a club in the competition has hit nine goals in a single match.England captain Harry Kane netted four of the goals in the game, three of which came from the spot.Kane took his career tally in the Champions League to 33 as he surpassed Wayne Rooney’s record of 30.He was also the first Englishman to score four times in a single game in the tournament.One saving grace for Dinamo is that the seven-goal defeat is not the worst in the history of the competition.READ MORE SUN STORIESBesiktas and Malmo have both been beaten 8-0 in their games against Liverpool and Real Madrid, respectively.The Reds dispatched the Turkish outfit by the huge margin in 2007, while Madrid hammered Malmo in 2015.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. More

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      Manuel Akanji reveals major problem with Man City’s ‘Oasis kit’ that led to embarrassing moment vs Inter Milan

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      MANUEL AKANJI has revealed the one major issue he found with Manchester City’s new fourth kit.Pep Guardiola’s side donned the new strip during their Champions League clash with Inter Milan on Wednesday – despite playing at home.Man City debuted their new fourth kit on WednesdayCredit: AFPManuel Akanji admitted he got confused due to the colours at one point during the matchCredit: GettyThe new blue, yellow and white shirt has been co-designed by lifelong City fan and Oasis singer Noel Gallagher.But some supporters have branded it one of the worst they have ever seen.Man City defender Akanji wasn’t as harsh when giving his opinion after the match.However, he did highlight one major issue.Read More in FootballThe Swiss star explained: “I like it a lot. I’d seen it already before I was at the shooting when we did it for Puma.”One action I got confused with the referee on the sideline, I thought it was Bernardo (Silva) so I passed the ball to him.”But otherwise I like the kit a lot and I’m looking forward to playing more in it.”Officials wore bright yellow shirts and socks with black shorts during the Champions League clash.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd in the second half, Akanji appeared to get the two yellows mixed up and accidentally passed the ball to a linesman.The match between City and Inter ended 0-0 at the Etihad Stadium.Watch England star Jude Bellingham’s classy gesture to gutted Manuel Akanji after Euro 2024 penalty missDespite the result, Guardiola was pleased with his team’s performance.He said: “It was a difficult match, but we knew it beforehand.”Inter are a wonderful team. They defended well and were dangerous on the counterattack. But we played well in the second half and had at least 4-5 chances.”But we are also a fantastic team. I am very happy to coach this group and be able to attack against a team that defends so well. And let’s not forget they’re the Italian champions.” More

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      Female Champions League official reveals she’s sick of being called ‘sexy ref’ after being forced to delete Instagram

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      A FEMALE Champions League official has revealed she is sick of being called “sexy ref”.She was also forced to delete her Instagram after receiving sexist messages on the platform.Emanuela Rusta has revealed she is sick of being called ‘sexy ref’Credit: GettyThe Champions League official was forced to delete her Instagram due to sexist messagesCredit: InstagramRusta has made history by refereeing in the Albanian top flight and internationallyCredit: GettyEmanuela Rusta is one of Albania’s top referees and has already made history in her officiating career.The 30-year-old is the first woman to referee in her country’s male top flight and the first Albanian international referee.She is now set to take charge of Thursday’s Women’s Champions League qualifying tie between Sporting Lisbon and Real Madrid.However, ahead of the match, she has hit out at headlines calling her “sexy ref” instead of focussing on her ability as a referee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRusta told AFP, via Marca: “They should focus more on my professionalism than on other things.”You have to fight hard to be accepted. You have to blow the glass ceiling to pieces.”Refereeing is not a question of gender, but of competence. To make good decisions you need to know the rules of the game perfectly, but also to be physically fit and have a great ability to concentrate.”Headlines written about Rusta include one calling her “the sexy referee who raises the temperature”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, another from a Champions League match in 2022 claimed she “stole the show” despite only being the fourth official.She added: “The (Albanian) Referees Association has always focused on promoting women, so my case is not a coincidence or the end of the process.Refs’ chief Howard Webb reveals Declan Rice red card was correct – but Arsenal wronged by different incorrect decision”I hope that the day is not far off when there are four women refereeing a match in the top men’s category.”Although it is apparently a predominantly male environment, I feel respected and appreciated for the work I do on the field.”As long as you consider it a professional relationship, you are correct, objective and dedicated, there is no lack of help from colleagues or the Association.”Prior to becoming a referee, Rusta played basketball back in Albania before switching to football whilst studying physical education.She now balances her officiating career with working as a secondary school PE teacher.Thursday’s European clash will mark her first Women’s Champions League match as referee.However, Rusta has already taken charge of 15 Albanian men’s SuperLiga matches, including two this season.Rusta also works as a secondary school PE teacher in AlbaniaCredit: InstagramThe 30-year-old has taken charge of two men’s SuperLiga matches already this seasonCredit: GettyRusta will officiate the Women’s Champions League qualifier between Sporting Lisbon and Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 5 – Manchester United assets promise short-terms gains

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      GAMEWEEK 5 promises to be a pivotal juncture in the Dream Team calendar.Manchester City v Arsenal is the current Premier League equivalent of an unstoppable force against an immovable object and gaffers will be split between those who captain Erling Haaland (£9.1m) and those who feel this is the week to take him on.Ten of the 20 Premier League sides have two fixtures to fulfil this coming Gameweek with eight in Carabao Cup action and two set to start their Europa League campaign.Which brings us neatly onto this week’s transfer recommendations…Roll up, roll up, get your Gameweek 5 transfers suggestionsCredit: Dream TeamMarcus Rashford (£3.8m)What a difference a week makes.Manchester United’s No10 mustered just nine points from his first three outings of the season and looked bereft of confidence but he was at the heart of an incredibly encouraging Gameweek 4 for the Red Devils.Erik ten Hag’s side followed up their 3-0 win over Southampton with a 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup with Rashford contributing three goals and an assist across the two games.Granted, the opposition were favourable but a 32-point return has to be respected – he’ll finish as the Gameweek’s joint-top performer barring something special from an Arsenal player this evening.Rashford’s mega haul means he’s destined for a price increase so gaffers could take a short-term punt on him for one or two Gameweeks and then flip him for a tidy profit.Most read in Dream TeamAnd it’s an opportune time to employ such a tactic with Man United set to take on Crystal Palace and FC Twente.The Carabao Cup games may yield healthy returns but the top teams are expected to rotate their squad amid schedule congestion.Whereas Ten Hag will surely name strong line-ups in both Gameweek 5 fixtures as he’ll want to start the Europa League campaign with a win.All this means Rashford, with confidence renewed, should get at least 120 minutes playing time this coming Gameweek.Only Dwight McNeil (£3.5m) has created more big chances than the 26-year-old at the time of writing.Garnacho is pushing hard for a place in the starting line-upCredit: RexAlejandro Garnacho (£3.6m) also amassed 32 points in Gameweek 4, via three goals and two assists.The Argentine winger ticks a lot of boxes but he’s been limited to an average of 35 minutes per league fixture so far this season, which is a concern.If we knew the 20-year-old would start both games he would be an excellent option but that’s not a guarantee given Ten Hag’s recent team selections – proceed with caution.Dominic Solanke (£4m)First things first, Tottenham don’t look great right now.Following a painful defeat in the North London derby, Ange Postecoglou oversaw a meek performance against Coventry on Wednesday night, though his side did beat the Championship outfit in the end.That being said, we still think Spurs assets are well positioned to provide healthy returns in Gameweek 5 as they too will participate in the opening round of Europa League games.We’re backing Solanke to score his first Spurs goal in Gameweek 5Credit: GettySolanke and company have the luxury of back-to-back home games against Brentford (depleted by injuries) and Qarabag.The ex-Bournemouth striker returned from injury in Gameweek 4 and while he returned just six points from two outings, he’s a tempting option as the focal point of the attack.Admittedly, Spurs have struggled to convert possession into goals but the statistics suggest they will generate plenty of chances against the Bees – only West Ham have faced more shots in the top flight this term.Couple this match-up with a home game against Azerbaijani opposition on Thursday night and there’s a relatively good chance Solanke opens his account in Gameweek 5.The likes of Son Heung-min (£5.2m), Pedro Porro (£4.4m) and James Maddison (£4.3m) are all viable too.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWOllie Watkins (£5.6m)Aston Villa’s main man finally came to the party in Gameweek 4.Watkins scored twice against Everton last Saturday to inspire his side to a comeback victory and provided an assist away to Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday night.When all was said done, he added 24 points to his total – only the aforementioned Rashford and Garnacho have earned more points this Gameweek at the time of writing.Looking ahead to Gameweek 5, the Villains are due to host an out-of-form Wolves at Villa Park before travelling to Wycombe for Carabao Cup commitments.Watkins bagged 24 points in Gameweek 4Credit: GettyIt wouldn’t be a surprise if Watkins was rested for the match-up against League One opposition (he was pictured icing his ankle in Switzerland after being substituted) but the impressive forward could feast against Gary O’Neil’s mob – only Everton have conceded more league goals this season.Plus, Watkins is not merely a short-term punt, he’s potentially a set-and-forget asset.Villa are one of just seven teams with two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 6 (Ipswich and Bayern Munich).Dominik Szoboszlai (£4.1m)There are several Liverpool assets who should be a higher priority than the Hungary international but given Mohamed Salah (£7.6m), Luis Diaz (£5m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.9m) are already among the most-popular players in the game, there’s no need to waste time detailing their attributes.Szoboszlai is an affordable differential for gaffers who want a slice of the Reds’ action without breaking the bank.Szoboszlai looked much brighter against Milan in midweekCredit: AFPThe 23-year-old was subdued against Nottingham Forest (as were all his team-mates) but he took Milan for 11 points in midweek.He is expected to continue as the most-advanced midfielder in Arne Slot’s system for the foreseeable future.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool host Bournemouth (league) and West Ham (cup) in Gameweek 5 with Wolves and Bologna to follow in Gameweek 6.Confirm your transfers for Gameweek 5 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      ‘Brain-breaking’ intro to Champions League MOTD divides fans as BBC decision shows ‘game has never been more gone’

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      FANS have been left divided after seeing the intro Match of the Day’s Champions League highlights.The show made its debut on Wednesday night following the opening two matchday fixtures of the tournament.The BBC premiered its Champions League highlights show on WednesdayCredit: BBCLionel Messi featured in the introCredit: BBCZinedine Zidane’s 2002 volley was also shownCredit: BBCThe show is hosted by Jason Mohammad and featured ex-pros Joe Hart and Stephan Warnock as well as French journalist Julien Laurens.The intro features historic moments from the history of the competition.This includes Didier Drogba’s header against Bayern Munich, Tony Watts’ goal against Barcelona for Celtic and Zinedine Zidane’s wondergoal in the 2002 final.Clips were also shown of clubs such as Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid lifting the heralded trophy.READ MORE IN SPORTThe tournament’s iconic music was played over the top at the start of the sequence before Match of the Day’s classic music took over.The majority of fans loved the mash-up of the tunes as they reacted on social media.One posted: “The motd theme with clips from the Champions League is truly brain-breaking. I *love* that BBC have the CL highlights but this is going to take some getting used to.”A second wrote: “Champions League anthem followed by the Match of the Day anthem? Solid from the BBC.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “Champions League x MOTD. Backing it.”A fourth said: “Champions League MOTD, what a treat.”Celtic boss quips ‘We play Bayern Munich in the final’ after standout Slovan Bratislava winManchester drew their first game against Inter MilanCredit: GettyLiverpool got off to a winning start over AC MilanCredit: AFPAston Villa won 3-0 over Young BoysCredit: GettyHowever, some were less keen on the combination.One complained: “Mixing the Champions League theme with the MOTD one just doesn’t work.”A second pointed out the running order of the match highlights with Celtic’s 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava up first.They wrote: “Celtic on first on a Champions League MOTD. The game has never been more gone. The correct decision it’s just a scary world we’re living in.”Manchester City started their Champions League campaign with a goalless draw against Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium.Liverpool and Aston Villa both started with wins as they beat AC Milan and Young Boys respectively.Arsenal begins their tournament tonight against Italian outfit Atalanta.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. More

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      ‘It was dead,’ says Peter Schmeichel as he savages Man City supporters and tells Micah Richards ‘leave the studio’

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      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

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      Watch awkward moment for Micah Richards as Jamie Carragher tells Peter Schmeichel ‘secret role’ he had in son’s career

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      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

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      Ivan Perisic completes second free transfer in 76 days after just four games for club as he joins Champions League side

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      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