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      Premier League 2023/24 Team of the Year revealed with FIVE Arsenal players lining up and only four clubs featuring

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      THE PFA Premier League Team of the Year has been announced – with runners-up Arsenal dominating the star-studded XI.Mikel Arteta’s Gunners fell agonisingly short in a thrilling final day of the 2023/24 season, ultimately coming up two points adrift of eight-time champs Manchester City.Arsenal stars dominated the PFA Team of the YearDeclan Rice was named in the midfield XI after a stellar debut season for ArsenalCredit: GettyGabriel got the nod at the backCredit: GettyPhil Foden claimed the most coveted prize on the nightThe Emirates side played superbly all season – and their squad has been rewarded by their fellow pros by having no fewer than FIVE stars voted into the campaign’s best XI.While Premier League champions Man City only have FOUR players in the line-up.Arsenal loanee David Raya – who joined on a permanent basis from Brentford this summer- edged out Alisson between the sticks.While top defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel were an obvious choice at the back.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe PFA opted for another centre-half in Virgil van Dijk to shore up the back-line.The Liverpool captain, who finished third in Jurgen Klopp’s final season, beat title winners John Stones and Ruben Dias to the other position, with Kyle Walker in at right-back.Rodri was named in the heart of the midfield trio, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also got the nod in the XI.That means it’s the first time since 2019 that Kevin de Bruyne has failed to make the best starting side.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd in a repeat of last year, only FOUR clubs are represented – Arsenal, City, Liverpool and Aston Villa.It’s the first-time Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins have been picked in the PFA XI, both notching 19 goals a piece.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher make Prem predictions as Man Utd icon reveals why his club will come above Liverpool And Erling Haaland jumps straight back into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the second successive campaign.Foden was named the PFA Player of the Year, having already landed the Football Writers’ Association award three months ago.Chelsea and England whiz Cole Palmer claimed the Young Player of the Year gong at the Manchester Opera House.Haaland’s 27 goals means he nabbed the Golden Boot for the second year in a row.Notable exemptionsSuperstar Palmer – who enjoyed the best-ever Premier League debut campaign – failed to get the nod in the XI despite scoring 22 goals last term.While Bukayo Saka also failed to make it after his form somewhat dropped off towards the end of last season.Despite many believing De Bruyne is the greatest ever Prem midfielder, the Belgium international missed most of the early campaign through injury.He still managed ten assists and four goals in 21 domestic appearances.Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is another notable exception.READ MORE SUN STORIESSalah struck 18 times to take his overall Premier League tally to 155, a number since raised to 156 after striking at Ipswich on Saturday.The Egyptian star is a two-time recipient of the PFA Player of the Year award – in 2017/18 and 2021/22.Man Utd fan and rapper Aitch attends the PFA Awards 2024Credit: GettyJules Breach and Alex Scott stunned on the red carpet before the ceremony commencedCredit: GettyOllie Watkins and his finacee Ellie Anderson arrivaed to pick up his first mention in the team awardCredit: RexPep Guardiola wore a dashing suit to the awards night in ManchesterCredit: GettyFoden arrived with missus Rebecca Cooke and young son RonnieCredit: GettyThe Man City ace won PFA Player of the YearCredit: PA More

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      Premier League legend’s son, 19, set for £10m Liverpool transfer exit after agreeing to reunite with former coach

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      LIVERPOOL midfielder Bobby Clark has agreed personal terms with Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.The 19-year-old is the son of Newcastle legend Lee Clark and will be reunited with Jurgen Klopp’s former No2.Bobby Clark is set to leave Liverpool for Red Bull SalzburgCredit: RexDad Lee Clark made 260 appearances across two spells with NewcastleLiverpool accepted a £10million bid for the teenager last week after initially rejecting RB Salzburg’s first two approaches.But Clark agreed to travel to Austria to put pen-to-paper on a five-year contract on Sunday.The midfielder will link-up with former Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders, who was appointed RB Salzburg manager this summer.The Reds have also inserted a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause AND a buy back clause option in the deal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSClark joined the Merseyside club from Newcastle’s youth team in August 2021 and made 13 senior appearances across all competitions last season.An England youth international, Clark made his Liverpool debut last season in the 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth at Anfield.He also stood out in Klopp’s last League Cup final victory over Chelsea at Wembley in February. Lijnders, who assisted Klopp for eight seasons, has entered his second stint as a first-team manager after joining Dutch side NEC for six months in 2018.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe also oversaw much of the youth development during his time at Anfield, first working under Brendan Rodgers.Lijnders announced he’d be leaving with Klopp, and the rest of the coaching staff, at the end of last season.Jurgen Klopp set for shock return to dugout just months after quitting as Liverpool bossLiverpool won their first league title in 30 years during his reign as Klopp’s right hand man, and advanced to three Champions League finals, winning the second final against Tottenham in 2019.Meanwhile, teenage star Bobby scored his first goal for Liverpool in a 6-1 Europa League win over Sparta Prague in March.Dad Lee, also a midfielder, made 260 appearances across two spells for the Magpies, scoring 13 goals and providing 14 assists.Liverpool boast a relationship with the Red Bull group, with Sadio Mane, Naby Keita, Takumi Minamino, Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai all Red Bull alumni prior to moving to Anfield.Jurgen Klopp with Bobby after February’s FA Cup victory over SouthamptonCredit: Getty More

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      My dad won it all including three Champions Leagues – now I’m living my dream at LaLiga club

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      SAMUEL ETO’O’S son thanked his legendary dad for being the “best example” to him after he made Rayo Vallecano’s squad for the first time.Eto’o Sr, 43, played for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea in a brilliant 22-year professional career.Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o celebrates scoring the second goalCredit: PA:Empics SportSamuel’s son Etienne is now progressing quickly at Rayo VallecanoCredit: AlamyAmong his list of trophies includes three Champions Leagues, three LaLiga titles and one Serie A crown.Now he is watching his son Etienne, 22, come through the ranks with LaLiga side Real Vallecano.The young forward signed for the Spanish top flight club in the summer and was assigned to the B team.But he spent pre-season with the senior squad and was then named on the bench for their 2-1 away win at Real Sociedad on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while he was an unused substitute in the match, dad Samuel took to social media to pay tribute to his son’s achievement.He said: “This August 18, the opportunity making the thief 🤭, I have the opportunity to tell you how proud I am of you.”When you opened up to life, and with the emerging maturity, I confided in you that my status as a father, with the authority and subsequent responsibilities will never vary.”We live in a world where selfish and fleeting battles are queens. You are the sole master of your destiny. Through your work, you will build your trajectory and your destiny alone. No one will give you gifts.Most read in Football”You must be impervious to their manipulations and instrumentalizations against your family and those who love you.”He went on: “Cutting yourself off from your family ties is the best way to weaken yourself. You must block them.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel Messi”No family is perfect, but you have the essential: my LOVE and my PRIDE as a father.”This day is full of symbols: it’s your birthday. And, you will probably play on this birthday, your first match in a first division club.”My emotion as a father cannot help but remind you that: you must keep this beautiful asset that is your strength of character, your magnificent smile, and this unalterable dream that you have nourished since your birth.”Things will happen, son. If not today, it will be tomorrow, if not, it will be the day after tomorrow… They will happen. Receive all the strength of my Love ❤️. Dad.”In response, Etienne, who has two caps for Cameroon’s U20s, said: “Thank you very much for everything dad, nothing in life is easy.”You are the best example, I fight and I will always fight for my dream, that dream that became a dream when I saw you. I love you dad.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Champions League draw 2024/25: Date, stream, TV channel and pots for NEW league phase format

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      THERE’S nothing quite like a Champions League draw to put football fans on the edge of their seats – and the 2024/25 edition will be historic.Jude Bellingham’s dream debut season at Real Madrid ended in glory as Los Blancos beat Borussia Dortmund in last season’s Champions League final.Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid win the Champions League in his first seasonCredit: GettyAnd the most decorated team in the competition will be tipped to win it again having added French phenomenon Kylian Mbappe to an incredible attacking force.However, Madrid have a lot more work to do to get to that stage due to the huge Champions League format changes.But first up is the league phase draw, and SunSport have all the information on when it will take place.Find out about the Champions League 2024/25 league phase draw below.Read more on Champions LeagueWhen is the 2024/25 Champions League draw?The 2024/25 Champions League draw will take place on Thursday, August 29.A time is yet to be confirmed but Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco is the chosen venue for the draw.An automated system will now randomly select eight opponents for each team from four pots and allocate which teams play at home and away.This is due to the new league phase format.Most read in Champions LeagueWhat TV channel is the 2024/25 Champions League draw on and can it be live streamed?The 2024/25 Champions League draw will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports in the UK.Subscription members of TNT can stream the entire action through Discovery+Amazon have purchased UEFA rights in the UK for the first time so the draw will also be available on Amazon Prime Video.Alternatively, fans can find out who their teams will be drawn with through our live blog.Can I watch the 2024/25 Champions League draw for FREE?It has not been confirmed as yet but the Champions League draw is usually broadcast for FREE on TNT Sports’ official YouTube channel.What is the new Champions League format?Each 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.What are the 2024/25 Champions League draw pots?Pot 1: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, BarcelonaPot 2: Bayer Leverkusen, Atlético Madrid, Atalanta, Juventus, Benfica, Arsenal, Club Brugge, Shakhtar Donetsk, MilanPot 3: Feyenoord, Sporting CP, PSV Eindhoven, CelticPot 4: Monaco, Aston Villa, Bologna, Girona, VfB Stuttgart, Sturm Graz, BrestREAD MORE SUN STORIESWhat are the Champions League fixture dates?Below is the full schedule for the 2024/25 Champions League:Matchday 1: September 17-19, 2024Matchday 2: October 1/2, 2024Matchday 3: October 22/23, 2024Matchday 4: November 5/6, 2024Matchday 5: November 26/27, 2024Matchday 6: December 10/11, 2024Matchday 7: January 21/22, 2025Matchday 8: January 29, 2025Knockout round play-offs: February 11/12 and February 18/19, 2025Round of 16: March 4/5 and March 11/12, 2025Quarter-finals: April 8/9 and April 15/16, 2025Semi-finals: April 29/30 and May 6/7, 2025Final: May 31, 2025 More

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      Chelsea ratings: Cucurella continues resurgence but Jackson still well off boil

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      ENZO MARESCA’S first game in the Premier League didn’t go exactly to plan as his former boss Pep Guardiola got one over on him.Erling Haaland gave Manchester City the lead with a neat chip over Robert Sanchez after shrugging off Levi Colwill inside the box on the stroke of the 18th minute.Nicolas Jackson struggled against Man CityCredit: GettyMarc Cucurella was one bright spark for the BluesCredit: PANicolas Jackson thought he had levelled things up for the Blues just before half-time, only for the goal to be ruled out by the linesman’s flag. It was former Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic who put the nail in the coffin of the home side, as he lashed home an effort late on in the second half. It was a similar story to last season for the Blues, who struggled to break down a Manchester City side that didn’t really look challenged.As for the Citizens, they will be pleased by their start to the season, picking up three points and the Community Shield in their past two games. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKevin De Bruyne impressed on his full return to the side, and Phil Foden got minutes in the tank too – Pep Guardiola will only be concerned by an injury to Savinho who was playing like something reminiscent of a certain Riyad Mahrez reincarnated.Find out how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea players…Robert Sanchez – 4/10Distribution-wise, it’s not good enough; that said, he made an absolutely fantastic save to deny a deflected effort from Jeremy Doku in the first half. Similarly in the second half, made a routine save to deny Erling Haaland before getting a hand to Mateo Kovacic’s shot, but failed to stop it rattling the back of the net.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMalo Gusto – 5It’s more of the impressive attitude we saw last season from the flying Frenchman, but today, he couldn’t stamp his mark on the game at all going forward. We certainly see more of his best qualities in the game where Chelsea have more of the ball, he should grow into the season nicely over the next few games.  Fans say ‘Roy Keane would be proud’ as ‘fashion police’ Micah Richards trolls Redknapp and Sturridge live on Sky SportsWesley Fofana – 5He didn’t look out of his depth in his first Premier League game for Chelsea for over a year, and despite conceding, it was a decent performance to build on in the coming games. Did well physically against Haaland in fairness, and made it through the 90 minutes unscathed which will please Chelsea fans in some capacity.Levi Colwill – 5Levi Colwill could improveCredit: PATough day at the office against physicality personified in Erling Haaland.Did play the ball well out from the back for Chelsea with a few good blocks and tackles. But much the same as with Wesley Fofana, there is room for growth into the season with easier fixtures upcoming, particularly where Chelsea will dominate on the ball.  Marc Cucurella  – 6Forced Jeremy Doku into a change of wing in the first half after winning a tough battle against the Belgian winger, and stepped into challenges well for the most part.Was solid again in the second half before going off with an injury. Romeo Lavia – 6He looked like a calming presence in the Chelsea midfield when he did get the ball and he broke up play pretty well for a player who has been out through injury for so long. Continued his good pre-season form and is deserving of a run  in the side. Moises Caicedo – 5A similar performance really to the aforementioned Lavia, but was one of Chelsea’s better progressors of the ball when they did get forwards and showed some nice touches in the middle of the park.Fans will be left wondering whether he, Lavia and Enzo Fernandez fit into the same midfield.Enzo Fernandez – 5Enzo Fernandez captained the side against CityCredit: GettyA mixed performance from the Argentine midfielder who showed promise in spells, but it really wasn’t the level you would expect of a player with his price tag.This could have been a huge game for the Chelsea captain for the day, but he failed to really stamp his mark on it in comparison to the player whom he replaced, Mateo Kovacic.Christopher Nkunku – 4Enzo Maresca seemed to want him playing as a touchline winger, but the forward looks far more comfortable in the middle of the pitch.He was the first player to be hooked in the second half and was replaced by Pedro Neto, who looked more at home wide on the left-hand side.Cole Palmer – 5Cole Palmer had a quiet matchCredit: ReutersIt was far from the electric performance which saw him scoop heaps of praise last season. He still did show glimpses going forward, but he just failed to impact the game in the ways he did last time around.  Nicolas Jackson – 4New season, same old Nicolas Jackson.A great run in the first half was let down by a pea-roller of a shot into a Man City defender, before he hit the back of the net only to see the official’s flag raised on the far side. I’m sorry Nic Jackson, but it’s a four for you this time round…SUBS:PEDRO NETO (CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU, 58) – 5Not the kind of debut that got fans out of their seats, but with The Blues failing to really get him on the ball there was little to take note of.MARC GUIU  (NICOLAS JACKSON, 66) – 5Less impactful than Nicolas Jackson, but in considerably less time.For a player who can dominate physically, he looked a little intimidated by the Manchester City defence and wasn’t really presented with any chances. READ MORE SUN STORIESKIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (ROMEO LAVIA, 67) – 5Many Chelsea fans were disappointed to see Romeo Lavia come off after a good performance, and Dewsbury-Hall failed to add any of the attacking prowess we saw in the Championship last season.RENATO VEIGA  (MARC CUCURELLA, 80) – 5He didn’t have enough time to impact the game after replacing Marc Cucurella, who had more time to establish himself as one of Chelsea’s better performers.  More

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      Chelsea and Arsenal blow as Victor Osimhen ‘chooses next team’ and will wait until end of transfer window for dream move

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      VICTOR OSIMHEN is tipped to reject Chelsea and Arsenal – so he can wait up to two weeks for his dream move.The Napoli striker has a £100million-plus release clause in a contract expiring in June 2026.Napoli main man Victor Osimhen could be off and running at the end of the season, but maybe not to the Premier LeagueCredit: RexAnd Premier League giants have shown the strongest interest in the Nigerian over the past two seasons.Manchester United were linked with the 25-year-old at one stage.But Paris Saint-Germain have stepped up their hunt over the summer.And it’s claimed the battle for his signature is now between just three clubs – Chelsea, Arsenal and the French giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg believes PSG would have to offload a big-name attacker before they could lure Osimhen.Portugal star Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani are the two main players on that list.And Plettenberg reckons Osimhen has not only set his heart on joining PSG, he is also prepared to hold on until the eleventh hour of the transfer window to seal a deal.Chelsea’s faltering hopes to sign the goal-getter have been matched by their frustration at failing to permanently move out 31-year-old frontman Romelu Lukaku.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd whatever happens, Osimhen is said to be determined to leave Napoli.The ex-Lille ace might fancy the idea of succeeding Kylian Mbappe as PSG’s main man.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesMbappe netted emphatically on his Real Madrid debut on Wednesday as the Spaniards won the Uefa Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta.Osimhen notched 41 goals in 57 matches over the last two seasons in Serie A.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Chelsea fans warned they face ‘prison food’ as opponents for Europa Conference League confirmed

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      CHELSEA fans face being served grub ‘worse than prison food’ when they play their Europa Conference League play-off at the end of August.Enzo Maresca’s men must win the two-legged tie against Swiss side Servette if they are to enjoy group stage European football this season.Chelsea fans have been warned they face ‘prison food’Credit: Instagram @footyscranAs Cole Palmer and co. head to Switzerland on August 29Credit: GettyBut the Chelsea faithful should brace themselves for an unappealing bland hotdog when they play in Switzerland.A picture resurfaced of the paltry portion offered up at Servette after it was shared on popular football food account “Footy Scran” last year.The photo shows a sausage on its own with no bun and nothing else but a single small piece of bread – no sauce or toppings.And they’ll have to pay at least £7.20 for the privilege.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAt the time of posting, 89.1 per cent of a 18,000 strong poll said they would refuse to eat it.Taking to X, one fan wrote: “I’ve seen prisons with better food.”A second said: “Pretty sure that violates the Geneva Convention😭.”A third added: “For £7.20 you’d expect a bun or two slices of bread at least FFS.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite a sixth-place finish Chelsea dropped into the Europa Conference League after Manchester United claimed the FA Cup against Manchester City in May and took their Europa League place.Supporters also blasted the prices charged for a matchday snack at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe masala potatoes available have been slapped with a £7.50 price tag as their team continues to splash the cash on players.Chelsea have signed nine new faces for Maresca so far this window, with former Wolves winger Pedro Neto’s £54million arrival their latest bit of business.The Blues kick off their Premier League campaign on Sunday at home to champions Manchester City.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Ajax into Europa League after incredible shootout with 34 penalties taken and 40-year-old keeper saving five and scoring

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      SHOOTOUTS don’t get much longer, more jaw-dropping, less believable than this.Ajax qualified for the Europa League after beating Panathinaikos 13-12 on penalties – with 40-year-old keeper Remko Pasveer saving five and scoring one of the THIRTY-FOUR spot-kicks.Ajax mob hero keeper Remko Pasveer after an amazing shootout winCredit: AFPPasveer saveds in the shootout from Daniel Mancini, who later scored his second attempt but in vain as Ajax went throughCredit: GettyJordan Henderson converted one penalty but gave up the decisive oneCredit: GettyLiverpool legend Jordan Henderson netted in the 25-MINUTE shootout.And in another twist, the ex-England midfielder even had the chance to hit the winning penalty.He later explained the rather generous reason he handed it over for Anton Gaaei to convert.The drama had begun to spiral from the 89th minute of normal time.READ MORE TOP STORIESBrazilian winger Tete sneaked a second-leg winner for the Greek visitors.That levelled the third-qualifying round tie at 1-1 – sending it into extra time, which finished goalless, with little sign of what was to come.Up stepped Pasveer to become the surprise hero – in a manner he could never have dreamed of when starting his senior career 20 years ago.The Dutch stopper has been labelled a Jimmy Bullard look-alike since British fans noticed him playing against Liverpool two seasons ago.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBullard, 45, was a cult performer for Wigan and Fulham before co-hosting Sky Sports’ Soccer AM and starring on Celebrity Masterchef.But it was Pasveer who was cooking in Amsterdam on Thursday night.Arsenal announce third summer transfer as England wonderkid joins from Champions League giantsHe launched the shootout by thwarting the very first kick – from Argentinian winger Daniel Mancini.The two sides were then locked at 4-4 when it went to sudden death.Pasveer tucked in Ajax’s 11th shootout penalty to level at 8-8 as tension soared – incredibly with much more to follow.And ironically it was a Dutchman who fluffed the last Panathinaikos effort to leave the scores at 12-12.Ex-Netherlands midfielder Tonny Vilhena, 29 couldn’t repeat his success from the spot for the Greek giants earlier in the shootout.And that enabled Gaaei to win it for Ajax by making it two out of two for himself from the spot.But even that added a flourish to the saga – as Henderson was the man designated to take the penalty.The former Three Lions’ anchorman, 34, told Ziggo Sport: “After Brian Brobbey missed, Anton Gaaei said to me, ‘if they score now, you can take it, but if they miss, can I take it?’READ MORE SUN STORIES”I said, ‘sure, go take the glory’. And he is probably better at penalties anyway. He deserves it, he’s a great lad.”A straightforward explanation to an evening that had been anything but!Experienced keeper Pasveer was the hero on a stunning night of dramaCredit: EPAAnton Gaaei celebrates his winning penalty past Bartlomiej DrągowskiCredit: RexGaaei stepped up to steal the glory for Ajax against PanathinaikosCredit: Rex More