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      Meet the Chelsea and Man City Wags, as the two Premier League giants prepare to face off in Champions League final

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      THEY are the two best teams in Europe, and they’ll be well supported by these beautiful Wags.Chelsea and Manchester City lock horns in the Champions League final on Saturday evening with a point to prove.
      Sergio Aguero’s Wag Sofia Calzetti will be hopeful her man can lead Man City to their first ever Champions League titleCredit: Instagram
      Chelsea Wag and football fan Izavel Kovacic will be watching all the action on SaturdayCredit: Refer to Caption
      The Blues are desperate to end their season on a high after a disappointing FA Cup final defeat to Leicester City.
      While Pep Guardiola’s men will be looking to add a historic first Champions League title to their swollen trophy cabinet.
      Cheering them on will be these amazing Wags – from a model to a reality TV star and a pop singer.
      SOFIA CALZETTI
      Sergio Aguero’s 24-year-old girlfriend Sofia works as a model.
      They met at a mutual friend’s party in Buenos Aires and have reportedly been dating since 2019.
      The beauty, who has almost half-a-million followers on Instagram, is a brand ambassador for Be Dog and Everlast.
      Sofia Calzetti began dating Sergio Aguero in 2019
      24-year-old Calzetti is a model

      IZABEL KOVACIC
      Gorgeous Izabel is the wife of Chelsea’s midfield maestro Mateo Kovacic.
      Labelled Croatia’s answer to Shakira, the 28-year-old is the founder and owner of a successful range of organic and eco-friendly baby products Lunilou.
      Since 2015 she has run the company – which sells baby moccasins, pillows and other accessories – alongside her older sister, Ivana Lucic.
      And cheering the players will be their Wags, who will be hoping their fella can be the match-winner.
      Chelsea Wag Izabel is a successful businesswomanCredit: Alamy
      The 28-year-old beauty is the wife of Chelsea midfielder Mateo KovacicCredit: Refer to Caption
      TAYLOR WARD
      Man City ace Riyad Mahrez could make the move into reality TV once his football career ends.
      For the Algerian superstar dates stunning Real Housewives of Cheshire star Taylor Ward, 23.
      She is famously the daughter of former footballer Ashley Ward and reportedly once dated Mahrez’s team-mate Aguero.
      Riyad Mahrez dates reality TV star Taylor WardCredit: Instagram
      Ward has appeared on Real Housewives of Cheshire and is the daughter of Ashley WardCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      ISABELLE DA SILVA
      Outspoken Blues defender Thiago Silva’s wife isn’t afraid to voice her opinion about her hubby’s team-mates.
      After Timo Werner’s woes in front of goal continued in the 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, she was vocal about the German’s poor finishing.
      In a series of now deleted videos on Instagram, she lambasted the ex-RB Leipzig star.
      But when he made up for it in the second leg, Isabelle, 34, was quick to give Werner the thumbs-up.
      34-year-old Isabelle da Silva is the wife of Chelsea star Thiago Silva
      Isabelle was recently vocal about Silva’s team-mate Timo Werner’s poor finishing
      APRIL IVY
      Colossal Manchester City centre half Ruben Dias might be singing when he’s winning… with his other half.
      April, 21, is a pop star in her native homeland of Portugal – and once scored a No1 hit with her single “Be Ok” in the Portuguese iTunes chart.
      Recently, he revealed that she jokes about his football obsession and the fact he loves going to watch so many matches.
      Ruben Dias dates beautiful Portuguese pop star April IvyCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic
      Ivy scored a No1 hit on the iTunes chart in her homelandCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic
      SOPHIA WEBER
      The German brunette is childhood sweetheart of Kai Havertz.
      Sophia prefers a low profile and deleted her social media to remain private.
      However, Havertz sometimes gives us a glimpse into their private life. And they both appear to be Harry Potter fans, dressing up in character for a party.
      Sophia Weber and Kai Havertz are childhood sweetheartsCredit: Facebook
      The pair are fans of Harry PotterCredit: Facebook
      MICHELE LACROIX
      Michele is the wife of Man City’s talisman Kevin De Bruyne.
      Born in Gent, Belgium she began dating the playmaker in 2014 and their romance went from strength-to-strength.
      De Bruyne admitted he chatted Michele, 27, up on Twitter, after she liked one of his tweets.
      27-year-old Michele Lacroix is the wife of Man City ace Kevin De BruyneCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele
      De Bruyne revealed he chatted Michele up on TwitterCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele
      CHLOE WEALLEANS-WATTS
      Stunning model and pop star Chloe, 21, is believed to be in a relationship with Mason Mount, according to The Express.

      The 303 singer reportedly met the Chelsea star in 2017 and they soon started dating.
      Chloe shared a picture of them together on holiday in Dubai and Mount let it slip he was spoken for in a hilarious call with a veteran Chelsea fan.
      However, the pair like to keep their romance off social media and rarely share snaps together.
      Chloe Wealleans-Watts is the reported girlfriend of Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount
      Wealleans-Watts is a model and a pop star in the girl band 303
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      Man City supporter moons camera as police separate boozy fans ahead of Champions League final against Chelsea

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      CHELSEA and Manchester City fans guzzled down beers in the Porto sunshine today ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final.The final was moved from Istanbul, with the Turkish city in stricter lockdown conditions and on the UK government’s travel red list.
      One fan made sure it really was a Blue Moon in PortoCredit: PA
      Football fans were loving life as they had a few beers in the Porto sunCredit: EPA
      Flags are starting to appear all over the Portuguese cityCredit: EPA
      One fan hoisted his mate on his shoulders – but still had time to have a swig of boozeCredit: Reuters
      The plastic cups of beer were raised high in the air as fans sang in the sunCredit: The Sun
      So it was the bars and pubs of Porto that took the Brits’ hard-earned cash.
      With the walls covered with flags from both teams, shirtless fans chanted as they wolfed down free-flowing booze.
      One supporter made sure there was a proper Blue Moon on show, by baring his bum to the crowd of revellers.
      Another was hoisted onto his pal’s shoulders while waving what appeared to be an England shirt above his head.
      His mate wasn’t deterred from necking his pint however.
      Unsurprisingly the phones were out to grab that precious selfie ahead of the biggest game of the European calendar.
      Up to 16,500 fans will be admitted to tomorrow’s big game, with each side allocated 6,000 tickets – with around 2,000 going to Uefa delegates and sponsors – and the rest sold to regular punters in Portugal.

      Unfortunately, there were ugly scenes later in the evening mirroring the bloody violence that marred the Portuguese city for the last two nights.
      Football fans were injured after clashing with riot police – but the day after it was more of a party atmosphere in 25 degree heat.
      Riot police had to disperse brawling English football fans after a second night of violence on Thursday as staff closed pubs and bars due to Covid-19 restrictions.
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      Police were on hand to monitor behaviourCredit: The Sun
      Large crowds gathered in the 25 degree sunshineCredit: The Sun
      Sky Blue smoke signalled that City fans had arrivedCredit: The Sun
      The scene was a fun one in Porto today – a far cry from last night’s bloody violenceCredit: Reuters
      The Porto streets were filled with shirtless footie fansCredit: The Sun
      Chelsea will be hoping they can attract a few new Portuguese fansCredit: AFP
      These City fans will be hoping their heroes get to lift this on Saturday nightCredit: Reuters
      Unsurprisingly, it is party time in Porto right nowCredit: Reuters
      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPECIAL 30/1 FOR MAN CITY OR 40/1 FOR CHELSEA TO LIFT THE TROPHY

      A number of fans were not aware of the strict 10.30pm drinking curfew to prevent the spread of the virus, reports the Mirror.
      People were reportedly involved in clashes with the Portuguese police.
      Fans from both teams clashed in the city centre as they returned to their hotels following the curfew.
      There was also a second incident of violence in the holiday resort of Albufeira.
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      City flags took pride of place over this wallCredit: Reuters
      This City fan will be hoping Sergio Aguero and team-mates can land the silverwareCredit: AP
      These City fans were in jovial mood after arriving in PortugalCredit: AP
      Footie fans were determined to make the most of time in the sunCredit: EPA
      Baton-wielding officers were filmed dispersing a small group of brawling yobs in the first skirmish.
      Trouble is said to have flared after Manchester City fans started taunting holidaying Manchester United fans whose team had just gone out on penalties to Spanish side Villarreal in the Europa League final.
      City fans had been on their way to Saturday’s European clash with Chelsea in Porto, Portugal, from Albufeira.
      Meanwhile, United fans holidaying there had gathered in bars to watch their team on TV in Wednesday’s Europa League Final.
      Fighting broke out after United lost on penalties to Villarreal — and City fans celebrated wildly.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Some fans were left bloodied and beaten after violence broke out in Porto on Thursday nightCredit: The Sun
      Riot police were forced onto the streets of Porto to clamp down on violenceCredit: The Sun
      Manchester City and Chelsea fans injured in bloody clashes with riot cops in Porto ahead of ahead of Champions League Final More

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      Chelsea’s FA Cup final loss draws 124 BBC complaints for pundits being biased in favour of Leicester

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      THE BBC’s coverage of this month’s FA Cup final has drawn 124 complaints from viewers complaining about the punditry being biased in Leicester’s favour.Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes beat Chelsea 1-0 to lift their first-ever FA Cup thanks to a second-half screamer from Youri Tielemans.
      The BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup drew 124 complaints over a perceived ‘Leicester bias’Credit: EPA
      Match of the Day host Gary Lineker wildly celebrated Youri Tielemans’ winner vs ChelseaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
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      But some viewers were left unimpressed by the punditry, suggesting it was skewed in Leicester’s favour.
      The broadcast was hosted by ex-Leicester striker Gary Lineker, with former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole joining Ian Wright and Alan Shearer in the studio.
      Guy Mowbray led the commentary alongside ex-Tottenham and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas.
      Ahead of the game, many neutrals had been throwing their support being Leicester in protest of Chelsea.
      The Blues were infamously one of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ who signed up for the European Super League, before quickly withdrawing after an epic fan backlash.
      It’s not clear who complained to the BBC or what particular moments left them irked.
      While not broadcast live, footage of Foxes fan Lineker wildly celebrating Tielemans’ strike was shown by the Beeb.
      However, pundits across the world – including Rio Ferdinand and Wright – have been praised by viewers for showing their passion with animated reactions to goals from Manchester United and Arsenal down the years.
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      Following Leicester’s win, Clive Tyldesley gifted Lineker his framed matchday notes.
      The commentator has produced versions of his handwritten pre-match research from the biggest games he has covered, for fans to buy.
      And after Rodgers’ side ended their 137-year wait to lift the oldest cup competition in football for the first time, Tyldesley gave fan Lineker a special momento.
      It includes the match details, starting XIs, benches and coaches for Chelsea and Leicester alongside their squad numbers, goals scored, ages and pre-game facts ready to pull out live on air.
      Lineker, 60, revealed the present on Twitter and thanked Tyldesley.
      He wrote: “So, this just arrived in the post. What a lovely surprise. Very thoughtful of you @CliveTyldesley. Thank you.”
      Lineker, born and raised in Leicester, made his Foxes debut in 1979 and went on to play 216 times for the Midlands giants, scoring 103 goals.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Watch Leicester heroes belt out Sweet Caroline in dressing room after beating Chelsea in FA Cup final More

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      Meet the Chelsea and Man City Wags, as the two Premier League giants prepare to face off in the Champions League final

      by

      THEY are the two best teams in Europe, and they’ll be well supported by these beautiful Wags.Chelsea and Manchester City lock horns in the Champions League final on Saturday evening with a point to prove.
      Sergio Aguero’s Wag Sofia Calzetti will be hopeful her man can lead Man City to their first ever Champions League titleCredit: Instagram
      Chelsea Wag and football fan Izavel Kovacic will be watching all the action on SaturdayCredit: Refer to Caption
      The Blues are desperate to end their season on a high after a disappointing FA Cup final defeat to Leicester City.
      While Pep Guardiola’s men will be looking to add a historic first Champions League title to their swollen trophy cabinet.
      Cheering them on will be these amazing Wags – from a model to a reality TV star and a pop singer.
      SOFIA CALZETTI
      Sergio Aguero’s 24-year-old girlfriend Sofia works as a model.
      They met at a mutual friend’s party in Buenos Aires and have reportedly been dating since 2019.
      The beauty, who has almost half-a-million followers on Instagram, is a brand ambassador for Be Dog and Everlast.
      Sofia Calzetti began dating Sergio Aguero in 2019
      24-year-old Calzetti is a model

      IZABEL KOVACIC
      Gorgeous Izabel is the wife of Chelsea’s midfield maestro Mateo Kovacic.
      Labelled Croatia’s answer to Shakira, the 28-year-old is the founder and owner of a successful range of organic and eco-friendly baby products Lunilou.
      Since 2015 she has run the company – which sells baby moccasins, pillows and other accessories – alongside her older sister, Ivana Lucic.
      And cheering the players will be their Wags, who will be hoping their fella can be the match-winner.
      Chelsea Wag Izabel is a successful businesswomanCredit: Alamy
      The 28-year-old beauty is the wife of Chelsea midfielder Mateo KovacicCredit: Refer to Caption
      TAYLOR WARD
      Man City ace Riyad Mahrez could make the move into reality TV once his football career ends.
      For the Algerian superstar dates stunning Real Housewives of Cheshire star Taylor Ward, 23.
      She is famously the daughter of former footballer Ashley Ward and reportedly once dated Mahrez’s team-mate Aguero.
      Riyad Mahrez dates reality TV star Taylor WardCredit: Instagram
      Ward has appeared on Real Housewives of Cheshire and is the daughter of Ashley WardCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      ISABELLE DA SILVA
      Outspoken Blues defender Thiago Silva’s wife isn’t afraid to voice her opinion about her hubby’s team-mates.
      After Timo Werner’s woes in front of goal continued in the 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, she was vocal about the German’s poor finishing.
      In a series of now deleted videos on Instagram, she lambasted the ex-RB Leipzig star.
      But when he made up for it in the second leg, Isabelle, 34, was quick to give Werner the thumbs-up.
      34-year-old Isabelle da Silva is the wife of Chelsea star Thiago Silva
      Isabelle was recently vocal about Silva’s team-mate Timo Werner’s poor finishing
      APRIL IVY
      Colossal Manchester City centre half Ruben Dias might be singing when he’s winning… with his other half.
      April, 21, is a pop star in her native homeland of Portugal – and once scored a No1 hit with her single “Be Ok” in the Portuguese iTunes chart.
      Recently, he revealed that she jokes about his football obsession and the fact he loves going to watch so many matches.
      Ruben Dias dates beautiful Portuguese pop star April IvyCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic
      Ivy scored a No1 hit on the iTunes chart in her homelandCredit: Instagram @aprilivymusic
      SOPHIA WEBER
      The German brunette is childhood sweetheart of Kai Havertz.
      Sophia prefers a low profile and deleted her social media to remain private.
      However, Havertz sometimes gives us a glimpse into their private life. And they both appear to be Harry Potter fans, dressing up in character for a party.
      Sophia Weber and Kai Havertz are childhood sweetheartsCredit: Facebook
      The pair are fans of Harry PotterCredit: Facebook
      MICHELE LACROIX
      Michele is the wife of Man City’s talisman Kevin De Bruyne.
      Born in Gent, Belgium she began dating the playmaker in 2014 and their romance went from strength-to-strength.
      De Bruyne admitted he chatted Michele, 27, up on Twitter, after she liked one of his tweets.
      27-year-old Michele Lacroix is the wife of Man City ace Kevin De BruyneCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele
      De Bruyne revealed he chatted Michele up on TwitterCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele
      CHLOE WEALLEANS-WATTS
      Stunning model and pop star Chloe, 21, is believed to be in a relationship with Mason Mount, according to The Express.

      The 303 singer reportedly met the Chelsea star in 2017 and they soon started dating.
      Chloe shared a picture of them together on holiday in Dubai and Mount let it slip he was spoken for in a hilarious call with a veteran Chelsea fan.
      However, the pair like to keep their romance off social media and rarely share snaps together.
      Chloe Wealleans-Watts is the reported girlfriend of Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount
      Wealleans-Watts is a model and a pop star in the girl band 303
      Man City vs Chelsea FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Champions League Final More

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      How Chelsea and Man City could line-up in Champions League final with Guardiola and Tuchel facing brutal XI decisions

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      CHELSEA and Manchester City go head-to-head in the final of the Champions League this weekend.The Premier League giants have flown out to Portugal in preparation of the big game at the Estadio do Dragao.
      Tuchel and Guardiola have some big decisions to make ahead of the Champions League finalCredit: Getty
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      But both Thomas Tuchel and Pep Guardiola will have some huge decisions on their hands.
      Man City are chasing their first-ever Champions League crown, while the Blues are aiming to end a nine-year drought.
      But how could both teams line-up for the all-important final as they aim to get their hands on the famous trophy?
      CHELSEA
      How Chelsea could line up for the Champions League final
      CHELSEA were given a major boost after Edouard Mendy returned to training on Wednesday.
      The Senegal stopper picked up a rib injury after colliding with the post in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga was being prepped to start the City showdown in Porto, but it’s looking unlikely the Spaniard will be needed.
      In defence, Tuchel will have a question mark over how to deal with the right-wing-back spot.
      Reece James is the best all-round player in that position, but Cesar Azpilicueta is arguably better defensively and boasts bags of experience.
      The Spaniard could be deployed on the right of the central three, but with Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger in good form, his best chance could be on the right flank.
      Ben Chilwell is almost certain to start at left-wing-back.
      Another way Tuchel could send out his troops vs Man City

      N’Golo Kante has recovered from injury and could partner Jorginho in the heart of midfield, with Mateo Kovacic only recently back from a knock of his own.
      Tuchel will then have a big dilemma further up the pitch, with a hoard of attacking options to choose from.
      Timo Werner looks likely to spearhead the attack ahead of Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham despite his indifferent season.
      Mason Mount is as certain as anyone in the Chelsea squad to start in one of the attacking positions behind the German.
      Tuchel could turn to any of Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Kai Havertz or Hakim Ziyech to take the final spot in his attack.
      And in what could be a tense game, even the smallest selection mistake could prove costly.
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      MAN CITY
      How Man City could line up for the Champions League final
      WITH such an embarrassment of riches in his squad, Guardiola will really have a fight on his hands deciding on his best XI for such a big game.
      City have made no bones about the fact they’re desperate to win the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
      And Guardiola could opt for a bold strategy in Porto by playing Kevin De Bruyne in a ‘false nine’ role.
      Gabriel Jesus started against Everton last weekend, with Sergio Aguero scoring twice off the bench in his final Premier League game.
      But it’s expected neither will start as Pep packs his starting XI with midfielders, calling on his South American duo should he need a goal in the second-half.
      Guardiola will have to likely somehow choose two of Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Ferran Torres to start on the wings.
      Another way Guardiola could send out his squad vs Chelsea
      Foden could start in the heart of midfield, but in such a tense game, the Spanish boss may opt to line up more defensively.
      Rodri and Fernandinho could arguably both play, but Ilkay Gundogan will be almost certain to break into the XI, with Bernardo Silva also pushing for a spot in the team.
      In defence, Kyle Walker is expected to start over Joao Cancelo at right-back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko on the left ahead of Benjamin Mendy.
      Should Guardiola come over all cautious, Aymeric Laporte could be played at left-back with Ruben Dias and John Stones undroppable in the middle.
      Ederson is a certainty to start in goal barring any late injury drama.
      Chelsea take on Man City on Saturday May 29, with kick-off 8pm.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man City and Chelsea fans clash in Porto ahead of Champions League final More

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      Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger reveals racism hell and wants to ‘use his voice’ to help clean up football

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER says he has been ‘marked’ by racial abuse forever.Chelsea’s German defender fought his way up from poverty to tomorrow’s Champions League final in Portugal.
      Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has opened up on how he has been dealing with racism all his lifeCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      But he endured vile abuse growing up in Germany, playing in Italy and now England.
      And he cannot fathom how football can unite to KO a European Super League, and yet racism online and in stadiums is still rife.
      Ahead of facing Manchester City, Rudiger said: “Do you know how many times I have been called a n****r? Do you know how many times I have been told to go back to Africa?
      “Eight years old, I had to ask Dad: ‘What is this word, n****r?’
      “When you grow up being called that, you can choose to ignore it or you can fight.
      “Many times, I had to fight — I had to bleed.
      “The whole world will watch the Champions League final and I want to use my voice.
      “This is not a ten-minute conversation, or an Instagram caption, this is my life.”
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      Rudiger is looking forward to once again heading into battle against Manchester CityCredit: Getty

      Rudiger, 28, suffered sick online racial abuse in January in the wake of ex-Blues boss Frank Lampard’s sacking.
      He also endured racism growing up in Neukolln, Germany, and from Lazio’s Ultras while playing for Roma in Italy.
      Rudiger said: “They called me a n****r. They were shouting: ‘ you, go eat a banana’.
      “When I touched the ball, they’d make monkey noises. But I did not react. I did not want to give them that power.
      “But I don’t care how strong you are, if you are a human with a beating heart, you are marked by it forever.
      “Whenever this happens, how does the football world react? People say: ‘Ah, it’s terrible.’
      “There is an investigation, but nothing happens. We have a big social media campaign and then we go back to normal.
      Will Rudiger be celebrating come full-time of the Champions League final against Manchester City?Credit: PA
      “Why did fans and players unite to stop the Super League in 48 hours but, when there is racist abuse at a stadium or online, it is always ‘complicated’?
      “Maybe because it is not just a few idiots — maybe because it goes a lot deeper.”
      Yet Rudiger has revealed he received apologies from online abusers after Chelsea’s final run.
      In an emotive Players’ Tribune interview, he added: “It was crazy. But I am not naive.
      “I don’t expect everything to change overnight. But I am going to continue to fight.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Tuchel says ‘you don’t want to fight Antonio Rudiger’ following Kepa bust-up as he names three toughest Chelsea stars More

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      Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy was on the dole at 22 and almost quit football after snub by a League One club

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      CHELSEA goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is winning his fitness battle ahead of the Champions League final.The giant Senegalese, who stands at 6ft 6in tall, returned to first-team training on Wednesday to give his side a welcome boost before they face Manchester City on Saturday.
      Edouard Mendy is winning his fitness battle ahead of the Champions League final and is back in trainingCredit: Getty
      Mendy has enjoyed a remarkable career turn-aroundCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The £22million signing was a doubt after injuring his rib in the 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa on the final weekend of the Premier League season.
      But now it appears he’s ready to feature between the sticks in Porto.
      This season, Mendy has been in sensational form since his move from Rennes – in what has been a remarkable turn-around in the life of the 29-year-old stopper.
      It was only seven years ago that Mendy, the cousin of Real Madrid star Ferland Mendy, was unemployed after his contract expired with French fourth tier side Cherbourg.
      And after a deal with a League One club collapsed, it appeared his days as a professional footballer were over as he signed on the dole.

      ON THE SCRAP HEAP
      Mendy was just 22 when his deal with Cherbourg expired.
      Wanting to take on a new challenge, he was offered contracts by other clubs.
      But it was the temptation of moving across the Channel to an unknown League One side that seemed the most attractive.
      The player’s former agent gave him assurances a deal was done, however Mendy soon discovered the job offer didn’t work out.
      Mendy was unemployed at 22 after being released by a fourth division French clubCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      With his future up in the air, Mendy contemplated quitting the game
      It left the promising talent club-less, unemployed and queuing at the job centre.
      Away from the game for the year, Mendy was forced to consider quitting football to do something else.
      He collected the dole – just to make ends meet.
      “For a football player or anybody else, being unemployed is like getting slapped across the face,” Mendy told So Foot magazine.
      “Repeated failures leave marks on you, and you start thinking that maybe you are not made for it.”
      REDEMPTION
      With his confidence severely dented, Mendy returned to the club where it all began for him as a youth player, Le Havre.
      He trained religiously for a year, unpaid, until a former team-mate told him that Marseille were looking for a goalkeeper to replace reserves Julien Fabri and Brice Samba, who were sent out on loan.
      Mendy scored a trial with the 1993 European Cup winners and was signed as a fourth choice keeper.
      There, he worked with French international Steve Mandanda and played in the B side.
      Mendy has blossomed into a Senegal international
      Standing at 6ft 6in tall, Mendy is a commanding presence in his own boxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “I reached a new level in Marseille,” he revealed.
      “I trained with the pros throughout the year, which you normally would not expect as a No. 4 keeper.
      “It was proof that I performed well and made all the efforts required. It was a rewarding year.
      “Training alongside players like Lassana Diarra, Abou Diaby… and winning duels against Steven Fletcher or Michy Batshuayi brought a lot to me.”
      MAKING OF THE MAN
      In search of regular playing time, Mendy moved to Ligue 2 outfit Reims in 2016.
      It was time for him to finally make his breakthrough in the game.
      When first-choice keeper Johann Carrasso was sent off, Mendy got his opportunity.
      Seven games and three clean sheets later, a star was born.
      Mendy became first-choice in 2017-18, and helped the club gain promotion to Ligue 1.
      RENNES TO CHELSEA
      It was only in summer 2019 that Mendy signed for Rennes for a fee of £3.5million.
      Mendy signed for Chelsea for £22millionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Chelsea legend Petr Cech reportedly recommended Mendy to the BluesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      This season in England Mendy has established himself as Chelsea’s No1Credit: Getty
      And his rise has been rapid.
      He helped his new club finish in the top three in France’s Ligue Un last season.
      More importantly, Rennes qualified for the Champions League thanks to his exploits.

      Commanding between the sticks, late-developer Mendy has continued to blosoom at Chelsea.
      In his 31 games in the Premier League, he kept 16 clean sheets in a promising debut season.
      His presence will be (literally) enormous for the Blues in Porto this weekend. More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea forced to HAND BACK 800 unsold tickets for Champions League final against Man City after Uefa travel shambles

      by

      CHELSEA have been forced to hand back 800 unsold tickets for the Champions League final, according to reports.The Blues were allocated 5,800 tickets for the game against Manchester City at Porto’s Dragao Stadium – which will welcome 16,500 fans.
      Chelsea have been forced to return 800 tickets for the Champions League final amid travel chaos, say reportsCredit: EPA
      Just 2,800 of those were sold with independent travel capability, with Uefa insisting on the rest being sold as part of charter packages.
      They independent travel tickets were quickly snapped up with fans keen to make the most of their trip to Portugal.
      The remaining tickets were part of a 24-hour round-trip charter package, which included subsidised £200 flights.
      And now, it’s been revealed 800 of those have gone unsold, according to BBC Sport.
      The Chelsea Supporters Trust have now slammed Uefa for their ‘lack of care’.
      Board member Dan Silver said: “Uefa’s lack of care for fans has again come to the fore.
      “They came to be our friends over the European Super League but now they have turned their backs on us again.
      “Uefa’s insistence on having charter flights – initially linked to 90 per cent of tickets, which the clubs pushed back on – spending only 24 hours in Portugal with added Covid testing and additional costs have made it very prohibitive.

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      “Selling tickets for up to 400 euros for a limited access final with unnecessary travel is outrageous when there were obvious solutions closer to home.”
      Uefa have already been slammed for the ticket prices AND location of the game.
      After Chelsea and City reached the final, fans and the UK Government had hoped to bring the game to England.
      However, an agreement failed to be reached despite Istanbul being unable to host the game, with Porto taking it on.
      Tickets were sold for anywhere between £60.50 and £346 – with fans raging at the sky-high costs.
      However, Uefa is struggling financially due to the impact of coronavirus, say the BBC.
      It’s estimated their reserves funds will have almost completely run out by 2023 after being forced to push Euro 2020 back a year, among other challenges.
      Before Covid, Uefa had reserves of over £430m but that’s expected to drop to closer to £85m by 2023.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man City vs Chelsea FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Champions League Final More