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      Premier League title winner announces retirement at 35 after career that saw him achieve unmatched feat

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      LEICESTER City title winner Andy King has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35.The Bristol City midfielder will play the final match of his career on Saturday when the Robins take on Stoke.Andy King will play the final game of his career on SaturdayCredit: GettyKing, bottom left, famously won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016Credit: ReutersKing, a boyhood Bristol City fan, is out of contract with the Championship club at the end of the season.And on Friday he confirmed he is hanging up his boots, saying: “I’ve absolutely loved my three years here.”It was an absolute honour to have played for this football club, one that I’ve spent many years watching, coming to the games as a child.”To be able to pull on the shirt and walk out at Ashton Gate with my own family, my own children, is so special.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I wanted my last game to be in a Bristol City shirt and I think that’s the perfect way for me to go out.”King achieved an unprecedented feat at Leicester, winning the League One, Championship and Premier League titles.He is the first and only player to manage this with the same team since the Premier League was formed in 1992.King, who featured in 25 of Leicester’s 38 league games in their triumphant 2015/16 campaign, also earned 50 caps for Wales and was a part of the squad which reached the semi-finals at Euro 2016.Most read in FootballAs well as Leicester and Bristol City, he also featured on loan for Swansea, Derby, Rangers and Huddersfield.He will retire with more than 450 club appearances to his name – 17 of which have come this season for Bristol City.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonKing, who took a player-coach role with the second-tier side last summer, received a touching tribute from former Leicester team-mate James Maddison.The Tottenham playmaker said: “Happy retirement to a legend. Top player & top person.”One of a kind & someone I can proudly call my friend. Enjoy mate.”Bristol City boss Liam Manning added: “He has had an incredible career and what he has achieved in the game is extraordinary.“The impact he has had on the dressing room and the young players at the club is invaluable, and his presence will be missed by everybody.” More

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      I’m former Tottenham star who got promoted TWICE from the Championship in the same season

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      ONE former Tottenham star pulled off the astonishing feat of getting promoted TWICE in the same season.Sebastien Bassong, 37, was awarded with two promotion medals in the 2014/15 season having played a part in the promotion campaigns of both Norwich and Watford.Sebastien Bassong earned promotion to the Premier League with NorwichCredit: GettyHe also helped Watford reach the top flight in the same seasonCredit: Action Images – ReutersThe defender had struggled for minutes at Norwich in the early part of the season when he was loaned out to Watford on an emergency deal that saw him make 11 appearances.Those 11 games earned him a promotion medal with the club who finished second in the league to automatically earn their spot in the Premier League.But after the emergency loan coming to an end in January, Bassong fought his way back into the thinking of manager Alex Neil at Carrow Road.After earning his spot he made a total of 21 appearances for the Canaries in the remainder of the season including keeping a clean sheet as Norwich won the play-off final at Wembley to secure promotion.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL rules at the time started that any player who had featured in more that five games for their club was entitled to a medal for their promotion – meaning Bassong was awarded the accolade twice.Bassong spoke to the Express about the incredible campaign for himself back in 2015, he said: “Overall it has been a dream season.”I played for Watford and they got promoted. I played for Norwich and they got promoted as well, so I have got two medals.”I need to go and get my medal from Watford now. It’s all about me! But you wouldn’t have said that at the start of the season.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSebastien Bassong’s career
      2005 – 2008: FC Metz
      2008 – 2009: Newcastle United
      2009 – 2012: Tottenham Hotspur
      2012: Wolves (loan)
      2012 – 2017: Norwich
      2014 – 2015: Watford (emergency loan)
      2018 – 2019: Peterborough
      2019 – 2020: Volos NPS

      Things didn’t go quite as well the following season when the Cameroon international was sent straight back down to the Championship after a relegation campaign with Norwich in the Premier League.Throughout his career the central defender still managed to get plenty of football under his belt in England’s top flight with spells at Newcastle United and Tottenham too.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAnd after bringing an end to his time with Norwich in 2017, he joined Peterbrough in League One where he stayed for half a season before heading to Greece to retire at top flight club Volos NPS.Bassong spent three years on the books at TottenhamCredit: Getty More

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      I’m the James Milner of the Championship but I’m going to be unemployed next week

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      QUEENS PARK RANGERS hero Albert Adomah has declared himself the “James Milner of the Championship” after making history.Adomah, 36, moved at the top of the list of all-time Championship appearances when he came on as a substitute during QPR’s 4-0 victory over Leeds at Loftus Road last week.Queens Park Rangers hero Albert Adomah broke the record for most Championship appearancesCredit: RexAdomah wants to emulate Brighton star James Milner’s longevityCredit: RexThe winger has officially amassed 525 appearances after breaking Lee Camp’s record who registered 524 before his retirement in 2022.The Ghana international, though, will be leaving the Rs after Saturday’s season-ending match at Coventry which is when his contract runs out.However, the forward insists he has a lot more left in the tank after four years with QPR and isn’t planning to retire any time soon.The Ghanaian is determined to extend his 18-year career until the day his feet can no longer hold him as he wants to emulate Milner, 38.Read More on FootballThe Brighton star has registered a staggering total of 634 Premier League appearances throughout his 22-year career that saw him star for the likes of Newcastle, Manchester City and Liverpool.The ex-England international is only 20 Prem games away from breaking Gareth Barry’s all-time record, and Adomah wants to emulate the versatile midfielder’s longevity.He told BBC Radio London: “I always tell myself I’m the James Milner of the Championship, I think that’s the best way to put it.“He started younger than me, I started when I was 20, but I’ve got this longevity still playing for nearly 17 years I believe now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“The day that I can’t run is the day that I’ll think about retiring, or if I have a serious injury then I’ll stop.”I still believe I could do one more season in the Championship or two or three more at a lower level.”Football stars’ weird phobiasAdomah has enjoyed an impressive career in England that saw him playing for the likes of Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. More

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      Ex-Newcastle and Brighton ace, 33, wakes up unemployed after being released by League One Charlton after just four games

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      A FORMER Newcastle and Brighton star has been made unemployed after being released by Charlton.Kazenga LuaLua only joined the Addicks in March and featured four times for the club.Kazenga LuaLua has been released by CharltonCredit: Focus ImagesThe winger used to play for Newcastle and Brighton and Hove AlbionCredit: GettyConnor Wickham is another high-profile exit from The ValleyCredit: RexThe attacker failed to score or assist a single goal during his stint at the Valley under manager Nathan Jones.This meant that the club has decided against handing him a new contract as he now joins the free agents list.LuaLua, 33, did make seven appearances in the Premier League during his career, all of which came at Newcastle.However, it was in the Championship that he enjoyed the majority of his career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe made 218 appearances in the division scoring 19 goals and assisting 22.LuaLua started his career at Newcastle but made his name at Brighton and Hove Albion.He had three loan spells on the South Coast before joining permanently in 2011.He left the Seagulls in 2018 and joined Sunderland for a short spell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe winger then had stints at Luton Town, Turkish outfit Genclerbirligi SK and Greek side Levadiakos before joining Charlton.LuaLua has multiple relatives that are also in football with his brother being another former Newcastle star, Lomana LuaLua.His cousins are former Bournemouth ace Tresor Kandol and ex-Prem winger Yannick Bolasie.He is not the only former Premier League ace to find himself without a club after the announcement.Former Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Leeds striker Connor Wickham has also been released by the League One outfit.Wickham also made four appearances for the club since joining in March but did manage one goal and one assist.Other players that have been shown the door at the Valley include ex-Chelsea defender Michael Hector as well as Richard Chin, Diallang Jaiyesimi, Jack Payne, Terell Thomas and Lawis Ward.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      EFL star makes incredible gesture to fans ahead of what is likely to be his final ever game for relegated side

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      A ROTHERHAM star is producing an incredible gesture for his club’s long-suffering fans ahead of their final game in the Championship.However, goalie Viktor Johansson insists it “isn’t a goodbye, it’s a thank you” despite “seven or eight big clubs” chasing his signature.Rotherham’s Viktor Johansson is making a stunning gesture to thank fans after relegationCredit: GettyThe Swedish international, 25, arrived at the New York Stadium in 2020 from Leicester and he helped them to League One promotion and EFL Trophy success in 2022.Johansson helped Rotherham survive in the second tier last term but despite some impressive displays this season he has failed to keep the Millers up in the Championship this time.Now a number of teams are plotting a summer swoop for the ex-Aston Villa trainee due to his relegation release clause making him available for just a bargain £1million.Tomorrow’s home clash with Cardiff City could be his final appearance for the club, and he is determined to show his appreciation to the team’s supporters.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has announced on social media that he will pay for the first 600 fans through the door at a local boozer to have a pint on him ahead of the match.The Cutlers Arms has become a favourite of his father, Tobias, whenever he comes from Sweden to watch him play and it will open at 9am on Saturday.And each pint will come accompanied with a special message and card from the in-demand stopper.Rotherham boss Steve Evans joked: “I think if Viktor’s putting money behind the bar, I’ll be there myself!Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Viktor’s been a wonderful goalkeeper for the club. Everyone is aware of the huge interest in him.“I’m getting phone calls from managers who want my opinion on what he’s like behind the scenes. They don’t ask what he’s like between sticks. They see that for themselves.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduates“Whether he’s with us next season remains to be seen but, at the minute, I’m planning with him. He hasn’t gone anywhere yet.“Viktor is a top-class talent. I’ve sat in the stands and watched him and he’s been wonderful.“More importantly, he’s a really good guy off the pitch. He’s really professional.“He’s also really humble, which is different to how you sometimes find players in the Championship who have aspirations.”Sheffield United, Stoke City and Leeds United have all been linked with an interest in Johansson.This was the message posted online by the Swedish stopperCredit: XAnd Evans seems resigned to losing him.He added: “He’s been massive since I’ve come in but I’ve watched him on many occasions prior as well. He’s top class on the pitch and he’s top class off it too.“But we live in the real world and there are seven or eight big clubs in the Championship all looking at him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If he goes on that journey, we wish him every success. We love him here.“I’ve been fortunate to have [Emiliano] Martinez in goal before, and Johansson in goal. I’ve had two top goalkeepers and it’ll be hard to replace someone of that quality.” More

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      EFL fans warned not to get arrested for ‘moment of madness’ this weekend as Championship reaches dramatic conclusion

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      EFL fans have been warned not to get arrested for a “moment of madness” this weekend as the season approaches its dramatic closing stages.Football League chiefs have warned they are prepared to take action in conjunction with police over fans that enter the field of play.Fans have been warned against pitch invasions this weekend and been told they risk arrest for entering the pitchCredit: MJ Photography/pictureexclusive.Pitch invasions have become common place throughout the Football LeagueCredit: RexFootball League CEO Trevor Birch told The Mirror: “My message to supporters would be: think before you act. “Going onto the pitch can have significant ramifications that may ruin your life. “One moment of madness can see you banned from attending football or given a criminal record, while some supporters have lost their jobs or gone to prison as a result of their actions.”Ugly scenes last month appeared to show a Portsmouth fan attacking a Barnsley player as Pompey celebrated promotion to League One with a massive pitch invasion.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile other pitch invasions, such as the ones at Wrexham and Derby went by without incident, there are real fears for the safety of players and officials should pitch invasions take place this weekend.Birch continued: “Before choosing to misbehave at a football match, supporters really need to weigh that up and ask themselves whether or not the risk is worth it. “Ultimately, the law is clear. It remains a criminal offence to come on to the playing surface without permission and there can be very tough consequences for those that do so.”Even if every single supporter means well and has no malicious intent, it gives the green light for that minority of people to enter the pitch who are intent on causing harm either to players or officials. Most read in FootballEFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch has warned fans risk arrest for entering the pitchCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We must avoid this at all costs and even if it seems harsh at times of great emotional excitement to ask fans to stay off the pitch there can be no ambiguity; the pitch is for the players and the stands are for supporters.”Both promotion and relegation are still being played for in The Championship, making for a high chance of pitch invasions on Saturday.Fan confronts stewards armed with CORNER FLAG as Sheffield Wednesday fans invade pitch after all-but avoiding relegationReferee Josh Smith, who has taken charge of several EFL games this season told The Mirror there is always “fear” when a ref blows the full-time whistle on the final day of the season.He said: “Towards the last five minutes of the game, as you’re looking up at the fans, you can tell if they’re going to end up on the field of play and it’s always a shock how quickly it can happen.”My first thought when I blow the full-time whistle is to make sure all of the refereeing team get off the pitch and down the tunnel to a place of safety as soon as possible, which includes considering my assistant referees, who may have a much longer route off the pitch due to their positioning. “My main aim is to ensure they’re not intercepted by supporters on their way off and are safe but it is a fear in the back of your head when you blow the whistle.” More

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      Brighton target former Man Utd coach to be their new manager if Roberto De Zerbi quits

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      BRIGHTON will target Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna if Roberto De Zerbi leaves the club this summer, according to reports.The Seagulls have endured a torrid run of form, failing to win any of their last six Premier League games.Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has overseen a poor run of form at the AmexCredit: ReutersBrighton will be interested in Ipswich boss Kieran McKennaCredit: AlamyThey have also picked up just six victories from their last 28 league matches.That has seen De Zerbi’s side – who were in Europe this season – slip to 12th in the table, four points adrift of the top half.And it has led to speculation over the future of Italian De Zerbi, 44, who took over in September 2022 and led Brighton to Europa League qualification last season.He had been linked with moves to Liverpool and Bayern Munich, but appears to have been overlooked for both.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan have also been mooted as potential destinations.Now, according to The Guardian, the Seagulls have made Ipswich head coach McKenna, 37, their top target should they be looking for a new manager in the summer.Brighton are understood to be “paying close attention” to the man who worked as a first-team coach under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick at Man Utd.He joined the Tractor Boys in December 2021 and guided them to promotion from League One last season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNow they are on the brink of a second consecutive promotion, needing just a point from their final game of the campaign to secure a return to the Premier League after 22 years away.However, reports are Brighton will push to bring McKenna in irrespective of whether or not Ipswich make it into the top flight.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?McKenna is under contract with the Championship club until 2027That means that Ipswich will be able to demand hefty compensation should he decide he wants to leave.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Coventry striker Ellis Simms lined up for transfer return to Premier League with two clubs tracking ex-Everton star

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      ELLIS SIMMS is wanted by TWO Premier League clubs this summer.The Coventry City hitman has lit up the Championship this season after a slow start following last summer’s switch from Everton.Ellis Simms is being tracked by two Premier League sides this summerCredit: ReutersThe 23-year-old scored just twice in his first 25 appearances for the Sky Blues.However, a hot run of form since the turn of the year has taken his tally to 19 in 52 appearances across all competitions.Now Simms, who will be looking to reach the 20-goal barrier in the final day clash at home to QPR on Saturday, could terrorise Premier League defences next term.SunSport can exclusively reveal that at least two top-flight sides have been tracking him over recent months.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBrentford and Bournemouth – who both face losing strikers in the summer – have been scouting the target man.The Bees look set to sell England international Ivan Toney with Manchester United now in the hunt for the ace.And Dominic Solanke’s hot-form for the Cherries has seen Tottenham plot a £50m swoop.Simms has now emerged as a top candidate for both clubs as they eye potential replacements for their hotshots.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe showed what he’s capable of with a fine display and goal as Coventry heartbreakingly lost to Manchester United on penalties in the FA Cup semi-final after coming back from three down.And he has already scored in the Premier League after netting the equaliser for Everton at Chelsea back in March 2023.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseSimms spent time at Blackburn Rovers and Man City as a youngster before the Toffees brought him to the Goodison academy in 2017.He scored eight in 21 matches for Blackpool while on loan there in 2021 and followed that up with five in 17 games for Hearts in his next spell away from Goodison.Last season he was due to spend the whole campaign in the Championship with Sunderland.However, after impressing with seven strikes in 17 appearances, he was recalled by the Blues in December.Despite that strike against Chelsea, Everton decided to cash in on him last summer when Coventry came calling.The Sky Blues paid an initial fee of £3.5million, which could rise to £5m, depending on appearances and goals.But with three years still left on his contract, they can expect to receive at least double that amount should the Prem sides come in for him after they missed out on the play-offs. More