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      AC Milan announce Stefano Pioli will LEAVE as Champions League club are latest to join managerial merry-go-round

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      AC Milan have parted ways with manager Stefano Pioli.The 58-year-old has been in charge of Milan for the last five years.Stefano Pioli has left AC MilanCredit: GettyHowever, he will leave following the club’s final match of the season against Salernitana on Saturday.An official statement from the club read: “AC Milan and Stefano Pioli announce that the Mister will be departing after the end of the current season, after having been in charge of the First Team since October 2019.”AC Milan extends heartfelt thanks to Stefano Pioli and his entire staff for leading the First Team over the past five years, securing an unforgettable League title and re-establishing AC Milan’s consistent presence in the top European competition.”Stefano’s professionalism and human touch have significantly contributed to the growth of the squad, embodying the Club’s core values ​​from day one. Read More on Football”Stefano Pioli expresses his gratitude to AC Milan for the opportunity to be part of the history of this glorious Club.”He is deeply grateful to the ownership, management, team, staff, and everyone at Milanello and Casa Milan for their support and outstanding commitment.”He also extends a special thanks to the many fans who have passionately supported AC Milan over the years, demonstrating unwavering dedication.”Pioli replaced Marco Giampaolo at the San Siro in 2019 and has since managed 239 games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAcross five years the Italian has recorded 132 wins, 55 draws and 52 defeats.He guided AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022 and earned his first major trophy.Watch tense moment AC Milan star Rafael Leao blasts ‘do your job’ at journalist after Europa League clash However, the Black and Reds have struggled to compete with local rivals Inter this season.They currently sit second in the table, 19 points adrift of their local rivals.According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Paulo Fonseca is expected to replace Pioli.Fonseca has been in charge of Lille since 2022 and has also managed the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk, Porto and Roma.The managerial merry-go-roundSOME of the biggest clubs in Europe are on the hunt for a new manager ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
      CHELSEA announced that Mauricio Pochettino had left by mutual consent earlier this week.
      The Blues are now determined to appoint his successor as quickly as possible, with Leicester manager Enzo Maresca, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank on the shortlist.
      BARCELONA are also scouting a new boss following the departure of Xavi.
      The Spaniard announced his intention to leave earlier this year but then allegedly agreed to stay at the Nou Camp.
      However, he recently completed another U-turn and is now set to move on.
      BAYERN MUNICH have been frantically looking for a new manager since Thomas Tuchel announced his departure in February.
      Having been rejected by the likes of Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, Ralf Rangnick and Oliver Glasner they have now turned to Manchester City legend and Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
      BRIGHTON are also without a manager following the shock departure of Roberto De Zerbi.
      McKenna has been linked with the Brighton job.
      JUVENTUS announced the departure of Massimiliano Allegri last week, meaning he is now available.
      Although nothing has been confirmed, MANCHESTER UNITED are expected to sack Erik ten Hag after the FA Cup final.
      The Red Devils have been linked with Tuchel, Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate in recent months. More

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      Gareth Bale tips Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham to win Ballon d’Or if England win Euro 2024

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      GARETH BALE is backing Jude Bellingham to win the Ballon d’Or if he leads England to Euros glory.The Real Madrid midfielder, 20, has lit up the Bernabeu club in his debut season – with 23 goals so far to help them lift the Spanish title and reach the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham has been a revelation for Real Madrid since his £115million summer deal from Borussia DortmundCredit: GettyReal are in the Champions League final on Saturday week – a competition Gareth Bale won five times with the Spanish giantsMichael Owen was the last Englishman to win world football’s top individual honour while at Liverpool in 2001.Bellingham’s big rival for the award is Brazilian club-mate Vinicius Junior.And ex-Real star Bale reckons this summer’s Euros and Copa America will decide who comes out on top.Bale, a five-time Champions League winner with Los Blancos, said: “Having a major international tournament is going to play a big part in winning that trophy.read more in football”The Copa America is on as well, so I guess there’s a lot to play for because winning the Ballon d’Or you need to win team trophies – like Lionel Messi did a couple of years ago.”Obviously there’s a lot to prove but Bellingham has done a lot of the hard work already.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He’s slotted in really well and had a fantastic first season. “He’s won the league and to be able to win a Champions League in your first season – obviously from personal experience it is a great thing to have – gives you that platform to keep pushing on.Most read in Champions League”It’s a very nice club to be at and hopefully they can get another win and keep cementing their title as the kings of Europe. “To keep doing it year in and year out is a special skill.”England footie star Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriend is a lads’ mag pin-up in her native NetherlandsGareth Southgate named Bellingham on Tuesday in his 33-player provisional Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.First though, the ex-Birmingham ace, who joined Real from Dortmund in a £115million deal last summer, aims to land the club’s 15th European Cup at Wembley on Saturday week when Bale will be cheering on his old side.The Wales legend, 34, joined Real from Tottenham in what was then a world record £86m transfer 11 years ago and won the Champions League at the end of his first season in Spain.But, speaking at a Mastercard event to launch the Pledge Ball – a football made from recycled boots and engraved with pledges by the football community to promote sustainability – Bale also admitted that Bellingham’s instant impact under Carlo Ancelotti has taken even him by surprise.He added: “I don’t think anyone expected it. His record in the past did not suggest he could score that many goals.”But he’s probably playing in a more advanced role in Madrid and the team is a lot younger. The environment is more comfortable.”Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia ValkBy Jon Boon
      LAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.
      The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.
      Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
      From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.
      Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.
      She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.
      It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!
      Find out more about Laura.
      Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news. More

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      Ademola Lookman earns just the 18th 10/10 rating from L’Equipe for incredible Europa League final hat-trick

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      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN’S hat-trick heroics in the Europa League final have led to him joining an exclusive club.The forward and Atalanta abruptly ended Bayer Leverkusen’s dream of an unbeaten season by thumping them 3-0 in Dublin.Ademola Lookman made history with his hat-trick for Atalanta against LeverkusenCredit: AlamyThe forward fired his side to the Europa League trophyCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old scored a brilliant treble to fire the Italian club to the Europa League at the Aviva Stadium and end their 61-year trophy drought.Lookman, who graduated from Charlton Athletic’s academy before going on to play for Everton in 2017, joined the Serie A side from RB Leipzig in a £12m deal last summer.And the ex-Fulham and Leicester City loanee has now written his name into Atalanta folklore and achieved legendary status with his exploits yesterday.However, his performance also earned him another highly-coveted accolade – a perfect and ultra-rare 10/10 rating from L’Equipe.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Nigerian international firstly beat a defender to latch on to a ball that was played back across goal to score from inside the box.Lookman then “sent Granit Xhaka to a retirement home” with a moment of genius leading up to his second.He put the ball through Xhaka’s legs to set up the chance as he shifted his weight perfectly to meg his rival and then tee up a long-distance effort that he struck with serious venom to find the bottom corner of the net.Lookman then secured the trophy, and the matchball, with a finish into the top right corner after being slipped in down the left.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat capped the perfect performance as the notoriously tough-to-please L’Equipe gave him a glowing assessment – and also made him just the 18th player to ever receive a 10/10 rating from them.They wrote: “The Nigerian scored three magnificent goals.Former Man Utd star brings Europa League trophy out after Atalanta thump Bayer Leverkusen“The first as a center forward, overtaking Palacios and putting the right foot area under the bar of Kovar’s goal (12th).“The second is a technical feat, a small bridge-rolling strike sequence, in the middle of several German players (26th). And the third is a masterpiece (75th). “It’s the perfect match. He scored three goals almost single-handedly in a European Cup final against a team that was favourite. It ticks all the boxes of the 10.”He is the first player to score that mark since Erling Haaland scored five past RB Leipzig for Man City in last season’s Champions League.The Norwegian goal machine is one of only two men to manage that feat – the other being the legendary Lionel Messi.However, Haaland is the only person to achieve both in the same season.The perfect 10 is something even Cristiano Ronaldo has never been able to achieve.Now Lookman says that he hopes his man of the match performance is just the start of big things to come.L’EQUIPE’S PERFECT 10sHere are the 18 times that the notoriously hard outlet has given 10/10:
      1. Franck Sauzee (France v Greece, 1988)
      2. Bruno Martini (France v Greece, 1988)
      3. Oleg Salenko (Russia v Cameroon, 1994)
      4. Lars Windfeld (Aarhus v Nantes, 1997)
      5. Lionel Messi (Barcelona v Arsenal, 2010) 
      6. Lionel Messi (Barcelona v Bayer Leverkusen, 2012)
      7. Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid, 2013) 
      8. Carlos Eduardo (Nice v Guingamp, 2014) 
      9. Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain v Dijon, 2018) 
      10. Dusan Tadic (Ajax v Real Madrid, 2019)
      12. Lucas Moura (Tottenham v Ajax, 2019) 
      13. Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich v Tottenham, 2019) 
      13. Kylian Mbappe (France v Kazakhstan, 2021)
      14. Alban Lafont (Nantes v Paris Saint-Germain, 2021) 
      15. Erling Haaland (Man City v Man United, 2022
      16. Dominik Livakovic (Croatia 1-1 Brazil (pens 4-2), 2022) 
      17. Erling Haaland (Man City v RB Leipzig, 2023)
      18. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta v Bayer Leverkusen 2024)

      He said: “I’ve always had the confidence in my ability.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the past two years I’ve been able to take my game to a new level and show it on a more consistent basis.“Maybe it could have come earlier but it’s come now. I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made but this is just the beginning. I hope for more nights like this.”Lookman goes from Panenka laughing stock to European hat-trick hero
      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN will go down in Atalanta, and European football, folklore after his stunning Europa League final hat-trick vs Bayer Leverkusen.
      Lookman’s treble was the first in the final of a Uefa competition since 1975.
      But some Premier League fans won’t have believed their eyes – after witnessing his infamous Panenka miss for Fulham.
      Lookman was spotted playing Sunday league in Lambeth by Charlton just TEN YEARS ago, at the age of 16.
      Twelve months on, in 2015, he was already the Addicks’ best player, shining on the wing in the Championship.
      And before he knew it, Lookman was in the Premier League after a massive £11million move to Everton.
      Lookman, by now 20, made an instant impact, scoring on his debut in 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City.
      He even won the U20s World Cup with England, netting three goals in the tournament.
      But he struggled to earn regular football with the Toffees, before defying boss Sam Allardyce’s wishes by snubbing a loan to Derby to push through a move to RB Leipzig instead.
      Lookman impressed in the Bundesliga with five goals and earned a permanent move.
      But he again failed to settle and soon found himself back in the Prem on loan with Fulham
      His spell at Craven Cottage saw moments of brilliance overshadowed by costly mistakes.
      None more so than his ill-fated Panenka penalty against West Ham.
      Lookman’s scuffed chipped effort dropped tamely into motionless Lukasz Fabianski’s waiting hands, leading to widespread criticism and ridicule from fans and pundits alike.
      A loan at Leicester followed but it was a switch to Atalanta in Serie A which saw Lookman finally fulfil his potential.
      Now playing international football for Nigeria, he helped them reach the Afcon final earlier this year.
      But he didn’t have to wait long to add his first senior trophy as the undisputed man-of-the-match in Dublin against the previous unbeatable Leverkusen. More

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      Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood star

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      KYLIAN Mbappe has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, expected to sign for Real Madrid after confirming his exit from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, is said to have finalised the purchase on Tuesday afternoon.Kylian Mbappe has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in MadridCredit: RexIt’s where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capitalCredit: GettyRichard Gere would become Mbappe’s neighbourCredit: GettyAs would Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and wife Pilar RubioCredit: Alamy Live NewsRespected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe, who has yet to officially announce where he will play football next season, said the striker had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower on Monday night, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”READ MORE IN football The mansion he is said to have bought reportedly forms a ‘golden triangle’ with the homes of Ramos and Gere.Ramos’ place is close to the property Mbappe has purchased and the home the US actor shares with his wife is also near, according to La Razon.Spanish news website El Confidencial said the French footballer’s property purchase had been sealed following a “war between real estate companies that had lasted months.”La Moraleja has long been one of the favourites of LaLiga’s leading footballers and other household names in Spain.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt was a private estate belonging to a widowed marchioness until the middle of the 20th century before the construction of the first family homes.Some of its famous residents, including Spanish actress Ana Obregon who was once linked to Beckham during his time in Madrid, live on gated private estates with 27/4 security within the main La Moraleja estate.Watch Kylian Mbappe ‘fall in love in three seconds’ as he is caught out ogling glamorous influencerThe former England captain and his designer wife bought their old home there in June 2005 from a French couple for £3million.They sold it to a wealthy Spanish entrepreneur who headed a plastic waste disposal firm for £4.2million nearly ten years later and eight years after they moved out.Posh and Becks lived in rental properties before finding their dream home, which boasted an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis courts, a small football pitch and a children’s play area.They spent £350,000 refurbishing the five-bed house, set in two acres of land, after consulting a Feng Shui expert.Police were called twice while they lived there – once after complaints from neighbours about noise when Becks celebrated his 31st birthday with a May 2006 party and six months later when three Japanese journalists mistaken for armed raiders sneaked into the grounds.Victoria and youngest son Cruz, then just 19 months, were inside the mansion at the time.READ MORE SUN STORIESA uniformed security guard pulled his revolver on the three men fearing they were a gang of hardened criminals and six police cars raced to the house before the intruders were released after proving their identities.Beckham offered to rent the property to ex-Real Madrid star Kaka when the Brazilian joined the Spanish club, but the striker and now-estranged wife Caroline Celico eventually decided to move to VIP bunker La Finca.La Moraleja is an affluent residential district of AlcobendasCredit: Alamy More

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      Robert Lewandowski opens up on ‘special’ Jurgen Klopp, his failed Man Utd transfer and eating dessert before his main

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has described Jurgen Klopp as a “special” man in a fitting tribute to the outgoing Liverpool manager.SunSport exclusively sat down with the legendary striker to discuss his old Borussia Dortmund boss, a failed move to Manchester United, the Euros, and the real story behind him eating dessert before main meals.Robert Lewandowski sat down with SunSport for an exclusive interview in BarcelonaThe former Borussia Dortmund striker gave a touching tribute to Jurgen KloppCredit: Bongarts – GettyThe interview was in honour of his partnership with gaming company G2ABut we start with Klopp – who said farewell to Anfield on Sunday after a stellar nine years at the club.Lewandowski, 35, spent four seasons playing under Klopp at Dortmund during which he scored 103 goals in 187 games.Prior to Bayer Leverkusen’s recent triumph, Dortmund were the last team to topple Bayern Munich and clinch the Bundesliga title when they won back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012.Klopp’s side also reached the Champions League final in 2013, losing to Bayern at Wembley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Lewandowski has nothing but fond memories of his time with the iconic German coach.’I still have amazing contact with Klopp’Speaking about Klopp at the announcement of his partnership with gaming company G2A, he said: “He’s just special as a man, not only as a coach.”I think that he wrote the new history of the Liverpool because he won everything.”When I saw what’s happened in the last game, not even the last game, even last week, he is still not only the legend but he’s the person who you loved and you love him because not only what he won, what he did on the pitch, but everything around [him] and you understood that this man is special.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRobert Lewandowski major honoursMajor honours won by Robert Lewandowski:
      Lech Poznan: Polish league, Polish Cup, Polish Super Cup
      Borussia Dortmund: Bundesliga x2, German Cup, German Super Cup
      Bayern Munich: Bundesliga x8, German Cup x3, German Super Cup x5, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup
      Barcelona: LaLiga, Spanish Super Cup
      Individual awards: Best Fifa Men’s Player x2, European Golden Shoe x2, Uefa Men’s Player of the Year, Uefa Team of the Year x2, Bundesliga Player of the Season x2, Bundesliga top scorer x7, Bundesliga Team of the Season x9, Bayern Munich Player of the Season x3, LaLiga Team of the Season x2

      “When I was with him in Dortmund I had and still have with him amazing contact because I know everything he does is pure.”He never lied. Even the tough decisions or tough conversations he said to you exactly what he wanted to say, not what you wanted to hear.Robert Lewandowski pays tribute to Jurgen Klopp”So it’s different. Always he was clear with the players, with the people. And in the end for sure he was clear with himself. And that’s why everything what he did for Liverpool, for this club, for the players, for sure that’s staying with him for the next years.”For one side it’s very sad that he’s leaving. But he knew that he needed a break. To be the coach not only of Liverpool but to be the coach of a top club costs a lot of energy. It’s a difficult job, very tough.”I’m very grateful for everything what he did, what kind of person he is. And I think that so many fans are going to miss him.”So nearly a Red DevilLewandowski wanted to join Manchester United by Dortmund blocked the dealCredit: PA:Empics SportLewandowski insisted he ‘could not say no’ when Sir Alex Ferguson called himCredit: GettyLewandowski left Dortmund for Bayern in 2014, one year before Klopp also departed the Westfalenstadion.But his exit could have come much earlier had he been granted his wish to join Man Utd.Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson spotted the forward’s supreme talent and was keen to bring him to Old Trafford.Yet despite both Fergie and Lewandowski wanting the move to happen, Dortmund refused to let him go, and instead Manchester United signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal.Recalling that time, the striker said: “I had decided to go to Manchester United. I remember when I was speaking with Sir Alex Ferguson and I was already decided.”I was 22, 23 [years old] and it was after one or two years in Dortmund [when Sir Alex called me]. You cannot say no [to him], it’s the prime of Manchester United, the prime of Sir Alex Ferguson. I was decided, okay, I want to join to Manchester United.”But in the end Dortmund said no. So I had to respect this.”He has not held that decision against Dortmund – insisting it will be a “dream” if they win the Champions League final at Wembley against Real Madrid on June 1.It comes 11 years after he lost with Dortmund at Wembley alongside team-mate Marco Reus – who he hopes is given the most “beautiful” send-off with a European triumph.As a person, Lewandowski has a number of eccentric quirks.They include his love of gaming – particularly anything F1-related – as he revealed his admiration for both Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.But the main idiosyncrasy he has become known for is eating dessert BEFORE main meals.’I don’t like to mix food’Lewandowski was keen to set the records straight on this tale, elaborating on exactly what the unusual eating habit entails.”If you are talking about lunch, for example, I want to eat dessert like one and a half hours before I’m eating or one and a half hours after the lunch because I don’t like to mix food,” he said.”If you have the sweet things and you mix with protein, for example, if you boil it up, it doesn’t work well. So this is the idea.”I know the story was that I first [eat] dessert and [then] soup, something like that. But yeah, it’s not so correct.”On his dessert of choice, he added: “Chocolate fondant. Hot chocolate with the inside. I am so ready to eat this.”Lewandowski has scored 25 goals for Barcelona this season – the 13th successive campaign he has achieved this goalscoring tally.But, with the Catalan giants set to close out their campaign away at Sevilla on Sunday, they have already been condemned to a trophyless term.Behind the scenes with Robert LewandowskiROBERT LEWANDOWSKI is just as impressive off the pitch as he has been on it for the best part of 20 years, writes SunSport’s Dylan Terry.
      From the moment he walked into the room of 30 or 40 people at the G2A media day, there was a humbleness you would not expect from one of the best players of his generation.
      He then proceeded to give what appeared to be an off-the-cuff speech about his excitement for the partnership – a task many sports stars may have found daunting but which Lewandowski took in his stride.
      Sitting down for the interview, he was quick to ask about my time in Barcelona and how I had found the city.
      He then proceeded to joke that I had “forgotten my sun cream” after catching a glimpse of my redder-than-usual complexion.
      Across the next 15 minutes he was happy to answer anything, speaking with an impressive eloquence and relaxed nature.
      At the end I requested a photo which was warmly received by Lewandowski – who was happy to oblige.
      We shook hands and he wished me the best, before he prepared for his next two interviews in German and Polish.

      Lewandowski backs three teams at EurosNow the Poland captain, who has scored 680 goals in 988 games for club and country, will lead his nation into this summer’s European Championships.A tough group awaits them after they were drawn alongside France, Netherlands and Austria.And Lewandowski believes the French are one of three teams with a realistic chance of glory in Germany – alongside England and Portugal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “France, I think also England. Also Portugal, I think they can be very dangerous because of the coach, because of the players of this generation.”G2A.COM is the world’s largest and most trusted marketplace for digital entertainment where users can choose from more than 75,000 digital offerings including games, DLCs, in-game items, as well as non-gaming items like gift cards, subscriptions and software.Lewandowski previously revealed he eats dessert before main mealsCredit: InstagramLewandowski has been scoring for fun as usual this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Gary Neville looks shellshocked as he’s told Sir Alex Ferguson had RESIGNED before Man Utd won Treble

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      MANCHESTER UNITED icon Gary Neville was left stunned after finding out that Sir Alex Ferguson almost left Old Trafford in 1998.The legendary United boss handed in his resignation on the eve of the 1998-99 season after growing frustrated with the club’s hierarchy.Sir Alex Ferguson handed in his resignation before the 1998-99 seasonCredit: Times Newspapers LtdGary Neville was left stunned after finding out he intended to leaveCredit: AmazonHaving narrowly lost out on the Premier League title to Arsenal just a few months prior, Ferguson was accused of taking his eye off the ball.Addressing the situation in an episode of Man Utd’s new Amazon Prime documentary ’99’, former chairman Martin Edwards revealed: “We’d felt that maybe he’d got a little bit more interested in his outside interests than perhaps he should’ve done, and that just needed readdressing.”He was obviously becoming a celebrity, interested in his racing and all the rest of it.”So as chief exec it’s your job to know your staff. It was just a – what shall we say – a correction.Read More on Football”I put it in writing. I knew he wouldn’t be happy about it and he wasn’t.”He offered his resignation, which obviously I had to accept.”Ferguson was quick to backtrack on his resignation and withdrew it just a few hours later.The revelation did not reach the players at the time due to the manager’s immediate change of heart.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUpon hearing the news while filming for the documentary, which focuses on Man Utd’s historic Treble-winning campaign, former defender Neville was left completely taken aback.He said: “The manager?! I wouldn’t like to have that conversation with him.’I hated it,’ admits Wayne Rooney as he reveals what Sir Alex Ferguson asked him to do during Man Utd days”I didn’t even know that until today.”United went on to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League that season under the guidance of Sir Alex.Ferguson eventually left Man Utd in 2013, 15 years after initially handing in his resignation.He retired with 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, five FA Cups and four League Cups.Sir Alex Ferguson guided the club to a Treble – including the Champions League – in 1999Credit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Seven bosses who could replace Pochettino at Chelsea from bookies favourite De Zerbi to McKenna… or could it be Jose?

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      CONTRASTING names like Kieran McKenna and Jose Mourinho are on a seven-man list of possible successors to Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.The Blues announced the end of Pochettino’s 12-month reign on Tuesday night, despite five straight wins earning sixth spot in the Premier League.Mauricio Pochettino is departing Chelsea after 12 monthsCredit: GettyIpswich’s Kieran McKenna is rated a strong early contenderCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca is another manager fresh from Championship joyCredit: GettyIpswich’s promotion-winning chief McKenna was instantly mentioned, having already been linked with Manchester United and Brighton.The 38-year-old is the youngest of a mostly youthful bunch of candidates.The main exception is the “special” long-shot being talked of.That of course is 61-year-old Mourinho, who won three Prem titles in his two previous stints as Stamford Bridge manager.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe ex-Red Devils and Real Madrid boss was axed from his last position, in charge of Roma, four months ago.However, SportItalia claim the Portuguese is being lined up by Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadisiyah to become sporting director.Pochettino’s Chelsea record
      MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
      An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
      But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
      Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
      Premier League – 6th
      FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
      Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
      Total record:
      Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
      Goals for 103Goals against 74

      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOther managers touted for the Blues’ job include Leicester City’s Championship-winning chief Enzo Maresca, 44 and Stuttgart’s 42-year-old boss Sebastian Hoeness.There’s also room on the list for two highly-rated coaches currently out of work.Most read in FootballMauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesRoberto De Zerbi, 44, might be regarded as the likelier candidate, having also been rated a potential contender for Old Trafford even before he left Brighton this week.And former Bayern coach Hansi Flick, 59, has not been in management since being axed as Germany boss in September 2023.Here’s our guide to seven men who just might be in contention for Stamford Bridge…Kieran McKennaThe former Manchester United assistant has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. That has seen his stock shoot through the roof and he may be tempted to jump ship for a big job.Roberto De ZerbiThe Italian left Brighton at the end of the season after a year and a half in charge. He was linked with a host of top jobs earlier in the campaign but a difficult run of results saw him fall out of contention for the likes of Liverpool. De Zerbi’s attacking, front-foot style would be popular at Stamford Bridge.Roberto De Zerbi is highly regarded by a string of Prem giantsCredit: GettyEnzo MarescaMaresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and has worked wonders at Leicester, settling the ship to send the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Appointing a Pep disciple has turned Arsenal into title contenders, so it could work for Chelsea too.Hansi FlickFlick was one of football’s most in-demand managers after winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich. But it all went wrong in his next role, becoming the first manager ever to be sacked by Germany.Now he’s ready to return and could be a smart move for the BluesSebastian HoenessChelsea fans may not have heard of him, but Hoeness is Germany’s next big thing. Hoeness has transformed Stuttgart from relegation candidates to the second best team in the Bundesliga, finishing above Bayern Munich.Only invincible Bayer Leverkusen got in the way of a miracle.Sebastian Hoeness has been a big success at StuttgartCredit: GettyMichelMichel Sanchez has worked wonders with little Girona in Spain. The minnows were right in the LaLiga title race at Christmas before watching Real Madrid shoot into the distance. But they ran illustrious Catalan neighbours Barcelona all the way for second and are guaranteed a spot on the Champions League. Reports in Spain say that has caught Chelsea’s attention.READ MORE SUN STORIESJose MourinhoStill adored by fans at Stamford Bridge, who never warmed to former Spurs boss Pochettino, Mourinho would be a popular pick. Winner of three Premier League with the Blues across two topsy-turvy spells, could he be the man to take Chelsea back to the top?Ex-Chelsea chief Jose Mourinho must be rated an outsiderCredit: PA More

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      Relegated former Chelsea star Ross Barkley ‘set for immediate return to Premier League with Champions League side keen’

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      ROSS BARKLEY is tipped to rejoin Aston Villa – despite Manchester United also showing interest in Luton’s star man.After qualifying for the Champions League, Villa are reportedly in “advanced talks” over recruiting the 30-year-old ex-Chelsea midfielder.Aston Villa have reportedly made the first move for Ross BarkleyCredit: GettyBarkley’s inspirational season failed to keep the Hatters up but led to calls for a place at Euro 2024, five years after the last of his 33 England caps.The Merseysider has arguably produced his finest football since 2018 – when Chelsea paid Everton £15milion for the then-prodigy.Barkley’s four years at Stamford Bridge proved to be a massive frustration, with poor form and then limited opportunities.He spent 2020-21 on loan at Villa before departing Chelsea permanently a year later to spend a single campaign with Ligue 1 club Nice.READ MORE TOP STORIESLuton pounced for him in August 2023 after squeezing back into the Premier League via the play-offs.Now The Guardian reckon negotiations on a switch to Unai Emery’s Villa are already at a serious stage – with Barkley keen on the move.United have also been linked to the all-round ace, not least as he impressed Red Devils’ minority owner Sim Jim Ratcliffe while at Ineos-owned Nice.Barkley said last month: “I want to play in the Premier League. I want to play in Europe again.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I feel like for the next three years maybe I’ll still be in my prime years.”Villa are thought to be in the market for two midfielders in all, plus a full-back and a forward.Aston Villa stars and wags go wild as Emi Martinez soaks team in champagne after Haaland goal secures Champions LeagueChelsea’s England workhorse Conor Gallagher is a known target for Emery.It’s understood Villa might be willing to include Jhon Duran in a swap deal.Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues have long admired the 20-year-old Colombian. More