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    New MOTD host Kelly Cates almost SNUBBED football completely – despite being the daughter of Liverpool royalty

    KELLY Cates almost snubbed football completely despite being the daughter of Liverpool royalty.Gabby Logan, Cates and Mark Chapman will host Match Of The Day after Gary Lineker leaves at the end of the season.Kelly Cates has built a stellar career in the media over the past 20 yearsCredit: GettyCates is familiar to Sky Sports viewers as the host for Super SundayLiverpool legend Kenny Dalglish poses with his familyCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe confirmation follows speculation about the presenting line-up of the BBC’s flagship football show following news last year that Lineker would step back from the role.The former England striker has presented the show since 1999.Cates, who will also continue her role with Sky Sports, said: “Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know that’s going to be a really incredible moment.”I’ve worked with a lot of the pundits before and they’re all fantastic, so I’m just looking forward to getting started.Read more Sports News”I’ve known Gabby and Mark really well for years so to bring it all together, embracing the digital side of things, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for fans and that’s what makes it so exciting too.”She has been a presenter with Sky Sports since rejoining them in 2016, fronting their coverage of the Premier League.The 49-year-old daughter of former Scotland and Liverpool footballer Sir Kenny Dalglish also hosts BBC Radio 5 Live’s Tuesday night sports coverage.But Cates had no intention of taking when she was at university studying maths.Most read in FootballShe comes from footballing royaltyKelly grew up with football around her.It was mum, Marina who would take her to games dad Kenny was playing in.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″When I was a baby my mum took me to matches to watch my dad play,” she said in an interview with magazine When Saturday Comes.”I don’t remember a time when I didn’t go to football games – my earliest memories are of being in the players’ lounge with the other players’ children.”However, that didn’t make Kelly a Liverpool fan.When her father moved to clubs, including Blackburn and Newcastle United as a manager, she hoped they did well – even against the Reds.Despite football being in her blood, she revealed she didn’t have as much of a flair for it as her famous father.She laughed: “I ran down the wing thinking ‘Oh, this will be easy’, tripped over and knocked myself out!”That was the end of my football career.”Thought of a different lifeAlthough she has become football broadcasting royalty, Cates nearly snubbed a chance to work in the game.At university being a sports TV presenter was far from her mind.She said: “I did a degree in maths but after I left university I wanted to do something different.When she was at university Cates studied mathsCredit: GettyHowever, when Sky Sports News launched she decided to give presenting a goCredit: PA:Press AssociationFather and daughter share a laugh during Sky Sports’ coverageCredit: PA”The Sky Sports News channel was being launched and they were looking for young people who loved football.”It was new and no one was watching so they pretty much said to us: ‘Go and play at being on the telly!”‘Family came firstSince the Millennium, Cates’ career rise has followed a steep trajectory.She initially left Sky Sports in 2016, after wanting to start a family with then fiancé Tom Cates, who she shares two children with.”I left Sky Sports News in 2006, after the Germany World Cup,” she told The Overlap’s ‘Not Just Football’ podcast back in October.”I’d been there for eight years and I had just turned 30, or I was just turning 31.”I was engaged, but not yet married. I knew I wanted to have children quite soon at that point.”It had just been, for a long time, kind of filtering away and running in the back of my head.”I came to the end of my contract and was working under my new contract and within the space of about three days, made the decision.Kelly got married to Tom Cates in 2007, although they divorced in 2021Credit: Luke InmanCates has worked at ESPN, ITV, Setanta Sports and more through the years tooCredit: Getty”I was driving into work one day, I walked in and I said, ‘I don’t want to sign this new contract, I want to go!’ I had nothing to go to.”I just walked away, but I was so sure that I had to go and make that change.”I did it when I left university to go to Sky, which is different, because then you get something that’s really exciting, shiny and new, dangled in front of you and you think, ‘I’m going to take this jump’.”Cates got married in 2007, although they sadly divorced in 2021.That same year she began a job at the now defunct Setanta Sports – bouncing around jobs at ESPN, ITV, and STV.However, in 2016 she made her return back to Sky Sports – feeling she had unfinished business.Initially, she fronted their EFL coverage before becoming the main anchor for the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESCates has been a huge success for the channel, alongside Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.Who can forget when she hilariously turned her back on them, after they turned their back on her during a segment that went wrong.Kelly will divide her time between MOTD and BBC Radio 5 LiveCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSky’s loss will be BBC’s gain – as Super Sunday will need a new hostCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Pep Guardiola’s daughter Maria gives emotional interview on ‘feeling loved’ after parents split up after 30 years

    PEP Guardiola’s eldest daughter has broken her silence following the Manchester City manager’s shock “split” from his wife Cristina Serra.Model and influencer Maria gave an emotional interview about feeling loved and the important lessons from her parents’ relationship.Maria Guardiola has given her first interview in the wake of her parents’ looming splitCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiolaMaria is the eldest of Pep’s three childrenCredit: GettyPep and Cristina have been together for 30 yearsBarcelona-based newspaper Sport reported that Guardiola and wife Cristina decided to end their relationship in December while both in Spain.The report claims they have been living apart for nearly five years after Cristina moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company while Pep remained at his luxury apartment in Manchester’s Deansgate.The sweethearts, who were together for three decades and married in 2014, are yet to comment on the separation after it was revealed on Monday night.But Pep’s daughter Sophia is the first family member to reveal details about their relationship and her loving family life growing up.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 24-year-old fashionista told Vanity Fair: “My parents have always advised me to find what I am passionate about.“They encourage me to try new things, to accept failure and to keep searching until I find my calling, because when I do, full dedication will come naturally.“They also remind me that the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.“In the end it all comes down to feeling loved. Even in situations where we feel out of place, they tell me to listen carefully to others.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“There is always something valuable to learn from each person we meet.”A close family friend was quoted yesterday claiming their marriage ended because Pep is a “total workaholic”.Man City boss Pep Guardiola’s recen struggles could be a response to the end of his marriage to teenage sweetheart  Cristina SerraEldest Maria is a modelCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiolaMan City boss Pep Guardiola is believed to have separated from his wife of 30 years Cristina SerraCredit: GettyMaria did not comment on her parent’s split and no reason for the divorce has been given.But she referenced her dad’s dedication to his career in her magazine interview by saying: “My father was already playing when I was born.“All our movements have focused on his career, first as a player and then as a coach. Soccer has shaped much of our family’s journey.“In many ways, my family and I owe our lives and opportunities to this sport and, of course, to my father’s exceptional talent and passion.”Admitting to inheriting her dad’s “stubbornness” she added: “When we set our minds to something, we pursue it with tunnel vision until we achieve it.”Guardiola with Cristina and their three kids in 2018The ex-Barcelona boss has been enduring a turbulent campaign this seasonGuardiola had some strong words for Ortega at full time last nightGuardiola let rip at his own goalkeeper Stefan Ortega before then violently hugging him following his side’s 2-2 draw with Brentford last night.The 53-year-old was absolutely livid on the touchline as the camera caught him kicking a Gtech advertisement near the stands of the Gtech Community Stadium.The ex-Barcelona boss has been enduring a turbulent campaign that has seen the Citizens drop down to sixth place in the Premier League table.Still sporting his wedding ring, Guardiola would have loved to see his stuttering team register three points.During better times in Manchester, where he won a record four straight Prem titles and a historic Champions League, Cristina decided to continue on her family’s business back in Spain.She and the couple’s youngest child Valentina moved back to Barcelona in 2019 so that the Brazilian journalist turned fashion designer could help continue her family boutique Serra-Claret.The boutique line, which stocks a number of expensive designer labels, was first opened in 1933.Cristina has been living in a villa in Pedralbes, an exclusive neighbourhood in the hills surrounding Barcelona.The property, which the couple bought in 2021 for £8.55million, lies within an enclave of three villas where neighbouring properties have sold previously for around £20million.Guardiola is believed to have met Cristina in her family’s clothes store called Serra Claret when he was just 18.He was modelling for designer Antonio Miro in Serra’s shop when he first met Cristina.And even as recently as January 2024, the former midfielder revealed Cristina helps pick out his matchday outfits.READ MORE SUN STORIESSerra Claret stock many brands he has worn on the touchline, such as Dsquared2, CP Company and Armani.Sport say their relationship is still “cordial, stable and friendly” despite deciding to part ways.Cristina is expected to continue living in the £8.5m home in Barcelona’s elite suburbsThe Barcelona home comes fitted with an impressive outdoor poolThe views from the Guardiola family home in Barcelona are jaw-droppingMaria attended The Best Fifa Football Awards with her parents in 2023Credit: RexGuardiola and Serra share three children: Maria, 24, Marius, 22, and Valentina, 15Credit: GettyGuardiola has won six Premier League titles with City More

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    Enzo Fernandez’s ex-fiancee reveals ‘the love is still there’ as she opens up on being abruptly dumped by Chelsea star

    ENZO FERNANDEZ’S ex-fiancee has said she still loves him despite being separated for three months.Chelsea star Fernandez split from Valentina Cervantes at the end of October following a six-year relationship in which they had two children together, Olivia and Benjamin.Enzo Fernandez’s ex-fiancee Valentina Cervantes revealed she still loves himCredit: Instagram / @valucervantesThe pair, who have two children together, split after six years at the end of OctoberFernandez said he wanted to ‘live alone’Credit: GettyThe Fernandez family reunited to celebrate the New YearBut Valentina has admitted they are now on ‘different paths’Fernandez had told her he wanted to “live alone”, with a statement on Valentina’s social media page at the time confirming the split.He has continued to see his children despite the split and reunited with them and childhood sweetheart Valentina in London over the New Year.The midfielder, who turns 24 on Friday, entered a rich vein of form following the split and was linked romantically with Argentinian rapper Nicki Nicole.However, Valentina revealed she had been assured those rumours were false, and in a new interview with La Nacion she insisted she still loves Fernandez.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe said: “I think the love is still there because it is difficult for it to go away so quickly.”The model and influencer, who met Fernandez as a 17-year-old when he was 16 at River Plate, also opened up on how she has coped with their breakup but admitted they were now on “different paths”.Valentina added: “I took five minutes, literally. Today I don’t cry anymore…”I bet on falling in love again and forming another family. I am young and I would have a million children.”Most read in FootballOn the New Year family reunion, Valentina said in December: “Enzo asked me to go to London for Christmas,”But I told him I preferred to spend it here in Argentina because the kids have more cousins and it makes the moment of opening gifts and everything else more special.Fans convinced romantic Enzo Fernandez dedicated Chelsea goal to ‘new rapper girlfriend’ by referencing her song”But for the 31st, we’ll travel there and spend it together.”I’m not going to go to Big Ben with a cider alone. We talked about it, and he has no problem with it, and neither do I, in that I know how to separate things.”We are going to do everything possible to make the children happy. “I’m going to stay a few days because I have to finish some things there that I left behind, then I’ll come back here and they’ll stay with him a bit longer.”Speaking about the rumours regarding his dating life, she continued: “I asked him. Obviously, I don’t get involved in those things and I would respect the woman he has from now on because it’s his life.”But I wanted to know because I think as the mother of the children I have to know and he told me they weren’t together.”Olivia listens to Nicki Nicole’s songs, I was thrilled…. I think they met once. Not alone, in a group.”We’ve talked about the fact that if either of us starts a new relationship in the future, we will inform each other out of respect and because we share two children together.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFernandez has scored three goals and added four assists in all competitions this season.He has started every Premier League game for Enzo Maresca’s side since a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in November and is expected to play a part again as the Blues take on Bournemouth this evening.Fernandez had been rumoured to be dating rapper Nicki NicoleCredit: Getty More

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    Why Kyle Walker REJECTED a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia – and it has nothing to do with wife Annie

    KYLE Walker rejected a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia because he still hopes to reach 100 caps for England.The Manchester City ace, 34, who has been capped 93 times for the Three Lions, feared a move to the lucrative Saudi league would end his chances.Kyle Walker is lining up a move to Italy with long-suffering wife Annie in a bid to save their marriageCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Manchester City ace is ready to finalise a shock loan deal with Inter MilanCredit: GettyWalker fathered a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn GoodmanCredit: GettyIt comes as The Sun reported Walker is lining up a move to Italy — with long-suffering wife Annie Kilner due to join him in a bid to save their marriage.The couple hope to leave behind the captain’s tangled love life and focus on the future.Kyle has been linked to two top clubs in the trendy Italian city.A source said a loan agreement with Inter Milan had been reached in principle, despite huge rivals AC Milan also expressing an interest.Read more Sport NewsInsiders said he shocked City bosses last week by saying he wanted a move, and 31-year-old Annie is likely to move with him, despite filing for divorce in August.One said: “Neither of them know what the future holds. But they’re hopeful a switch to Italy will give them the breathing space they desperately need to see if things can be worked out.”It’s been impossible to do that in England due to the pressure they’ve been under for the last 12 months.”They’re hoping time alone will help them decide if there’s anything left they can salvage.Most read in Football”Annie is keen to press ahead with the divorce in order to sort the finances out and Kyle won’t oppose that. But they haven’t yet fully given up on one another.”Their four kids — Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, six-year-old Reign and baby Rezon — will also make the move from their home in Prestbury, Cheshire.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferThe news comes after The Sun revealed last year that Walker had fathered a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.Annie, pregnant with Rezon at the time, vowed it was the last straw and kicked him out.Then, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, the football ace ­publicly apologised and begged for forgiveness.In the summer, Walker returned from England’s Euros defeat to face 33-year-old Lauryn in court over financial arrangements for year-old daughter Kinara.Papers revealed he had in­c­reased Lauryn’s housing budget from £1.85million to £2.4million after she threatened to move within ten minutes of his family home.Walker’s bombshell request to quit City was revealed after he was left out of the squad ahead of ­Saturday’s 8-0 FA Cup demolition of Salford City.Annie and Kyle’s four kids will also make the move to Italy from their home in Prestbury, CheshireCredit: Instagram More

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    Kyle Walker’s ex Lauryn Goodman in bid to QUIT UK with their kids – and makes plea to Man City star for help

    REALITY TV star Lauryn Goodman is keen to move abroad for a year — and has asked ex Kyle Walker if she can rent out her home.Lauryn, 33, wants to relocate so she can focus on the two children she has with the England and Man City ace, sources said.Lauryn Goodman is set to move abroad for a year — and has asked Kyle Walker if she can rent out her homeLauryn wants to relocate so she can focus on the two children she has with the England and Man City aceCredit: SplashKyle with childhood sweetheart Annie KilnerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeShe currently lives in a £2.4million house in Sussex which is owned by the 34-year-old defender.Lauryn — mother to his son Kairo, four, and daughter Kinara, one — has contacted his lawyers about renting it out while she lives in a different country.A source said: “It’s been a turbulent time for Lauryn and she is keen to have a change of scenery, where she can focus on the children. She loves the idea of living somewhere sunny, like Dubai, temporarily.“Because Kyle owns the property, she has to ask his permission to rent it out. She would need to do that in order to be able to rent a property abroad.Read More on Sport“She’s no longer close to her family, so feels she doesn’t have any ties to the UK right now, and has loved taking her children abroad on holiday to get away from everything.”Lauryn became pregnant with Kairo while Kyle was on a break from childhood sweetheart Annie Kilner in 2019. Kyle later got back together with Annie before they married in 2021.But he and Lauryn stayed in touch and briefly rekindled their relationship.Most read in FootballTheir daughter Kinara was conceived in October 2022 while the footballer was in London for treatment for a groin injury.In December 2023 Lauryn told Annie, who was pregnant at the time, that the little girl was Kyle’s child.Kyle Walker will spend Christmas Day back with estranged wife Annie Kilner after they agreed to put the turmoil of their divorce to one side for the sake of their kidsKyle then admitted he had lied to both women and moved out of his family home in Cheshire.Annie and Kyle, who have four sons, were said to be divorcing.The Sun revealed last month that Kyle did not send Christmas gifts to his two children with Lauryn. More

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    Kyle Walker’s wife Annie is SCRAPPING her £27m divorce bid as cheating Man City star eyes £400k-a-week move

    JUST last year, Kyle Walker’s long-suffering wife Annie Kilner was preparing for war and telling pals she was considering divorce.But after a cosy Christmas with the Man City star and their children — and amid growing speculation he is being courted for a multi-million-pound move to play in Saudi Arabia — that could all change once again.Kyle Walker’s long-suffering wife Annie Kilner has put the brakes on talk of a split, and kept her ring finger covered on night out in DecemberCredit: BackGridThe City and England defender has moved back into their marital homeCredit: GettyKyle is being courted for a multi-million-pound move to play in Saudi Arabia, above arriving for court date with Lauryn in July last yearCredit: Darren FletcherKyle posed with Annie and their four children in matching pyjamas during ChristmasCredit: InstagramThose close to Annie, 33, tell The Sun she has put the brakes on talk of a split and instead moved the City and England defender back into the marital home.An insider said: “It was just a few months ago that Annie served Kyle with divorce papers, but she’s having second thoughts.“He’s a top target for the Saudi Arabia clubs and if he decides to take a deal it’ll be life-changing — and not just because of the massive amount of money he’ll be making.”Any move to the Arab state is still up in the air, but Kyle, 34, is a top target for big-hitting sides including Al Nassr, where Portuguese ace Cristiano Ronaldo is captain.READ MORE IN SPORTDeals being mooted by clubs in the oil-rich nation are said to be worth upwards of £20million, with Kyle easily expected to bank £400,000 a week if he chooses to try his luck abroad.And friends close to Annie say the money will do the talking.They added: “Annie is no fool. She sought legal advice about the finances last year and knows that the deal in Saudi is worth a lot.“Annie says it’s not about the cash but keeping their family together, yet his earning potential is something she will have thought about.Most read in Football“She is savvy and has been mapping out a plan for a long time.Posed in matching Christmas pyjamas“Annie always puts the children first but she has to think about herself too — and financially she wants to know she would be secure whatever happens between them.Kyle Walker will spend Christmas Day back with estranged wife Annie Kilner after they agreed to put the turmoil of their divorce to one side for the sake of their kids“Kyle has assured her that whatever happens, she would have the financial support.”The couple put on a united front at Christmas as they posed in matching pyjamas with their four children, Roman, 13, Riaan, eight, six-year-old Reign and baby Rezon.It was a picture-perfect scene compared to last December when their lives were turned upside down by the news that Kyle had fathered a secret daughter with reality TV star Lauryn Goodman.Annie, who started dating Kyle when she was 16, was pregnant with their fourth child at the time.He already shares four-year-old son Kairo with Lauryn following a relationship with her during a brief split from Annie.Of the family’s cosy reunion at Christmas, a fellow Wag said: “It seems like Kyle is happy to be back home with his family and they are looking to the future.She is savvy and has been mapping out a plan for a long timeFriends“Not sure if anything is set in stone about their relationship, but they are more together than they’ve looked before — as if the time spent together over Christmas helped them both to appreciate what they have.“Whatever their future holds, they will make it work for their lads who are everything to them.”Kyle made a grovelling apology to devastated Annie in The Sun in January last year.At the time he said he was desperate to save the marriage but admitted he would not blame Annie if she chose to divorce him.Last month, in a sign their relationship was back on track, Kyle smiled like the cat who got the cream as he showed off his wedding ring on a night out at the darts.Kairo and Kinara watch Kyle during Euro 2024Credit: Instagram @lauryngoodman91Lauryn Goodman takes Kyle to court to seek financial settlement for their childrenCredit: Darren FletcherHe was in high spirits at Alexandra Palace in London as he watched the World Championship, shortly after moving back home for the festive season.Annie also put her ring back on — but has attempted to discreetly cover her hand in public in recent weeks to avoid speculation.Our insider added: “Spending time with Kyle at Christmas has made Annie rethink everything.“She let him move back into the family home and it was amazing for her to see Kyle and how great he is with their kids.“Despite what has gone on between them, Kyle is a brilliant father.“She knows now isn’t the right time to start going down the legal route of separation and has taken the advice that timing is key when it comes to a divorce.Spending time with Kyle at Christmas has made Annie rethink everythingInsider“They’ve got the children to think about — they’re still young — and that’s been a major factor in Annie’s thinking.“She isn’t rushing into anything and is biding her time, especially with all the talk about Saudi and a possible move there.”The couple have only been married since November 2021, but met in his hometown of Sheffield when they were teenagers.Kyle was first accused of cheating in 2016 when he was caught messaging Playboy model Carla Howe while in France with the England squad for the Euro championships.Then in 2019, Ex On The Beach star Laura Brown messaged Annie to confess she and Kyle had enjoyed a string of romps, including one time in his £200,000 Bentley 4×4.Annie immediately dumped Kyle, who moved into a flat, where he ended up hosting a sex party with a friend and two call girls during the Covid lockdown.While single, he started a relationship with Lauryn, who quickly fell pregnant and gave birth in 2020.Annie took him back and they wed in an intimate ceremony at Mottram Hall in Cheshire 18 months later.But The Sun recently revealed that Annie’s friends claimed she was looking at her options as far back as 2019, with her insisting: “Marrying Kyle would give me security if he ever does it again.”‘Some said she should cut her losses and run’She apparently asked at least four footballers’ wives for advice before marrying the love rat in case history repeated itself. One said: “Some said she should leave him at the time — just cut her losses and run. But others warned that marrying him would be the only way she could really secure herself financially.”In messages seen by The Sun from five years ago, before the couple tied the knot, Annie glumly conceded, “It’s the same old s**t — he’s been doing it for ten years”, before asking pals for their opinions on how to future-proof herself financially.Appearing to predict that he would betray her again, Annie wrote to a friend at the time: “He’s going to have a lonely end.”Annie turned out to be right about his repeat actions, as he briefly rekindled things with Lauryn weeks after Kairo was born and lived a lie for more than a year after discovering she was expecting his second child. She isn’t rushing into anything and is biding her time, especially with all the talk about Saudi and a possible move thereInsiderLauryn later took Kyle to court to seek a financial settlement for their kids.After Lauryn’s bombshell confession to Annie about daughter Kinara, he told The Sun in an emotional interview that he had lied to both womenHe added: “It was a double-edged sword between my conscience being clean and losing my family.“I’ve hurt someone I truly believe is my soulmate. Annie knows I’m sorry. I’m sorry because as a family this isn’t meant to happen. They are all I’ve got.”A Middle East move for the England ace would follow a tough current season at City. He still has 19 months left on his Etihad contract, but admitted he would “never say never” when rumours were flying last year. Now, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad from Saudi’s pro league are keen on securing his signature.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Kyle does take the plunge, he would follow in the footsteps of England teammate Ivan Toney, who landed a £20million-a-year deal with Al-Ahli last summer after transferring from Brentford.But whether he gets to enjoy that money with or without Annie is very much still in the balance.The ace and Annie posed in this throwback snapCredit: Instagram More

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    Rodrigo Bentancur and his girlfriend posed for heartwarming family picture just hours before horror injury

    RODRIGO BENTANCUR posted a heartwarming family photo on social media just hours before suffering a horror fall.The Tottenham midfielder slammed his head on the pitch just six minutes into the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Liverpool after trying to head the ball.Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a horror fall in Spur’s cup clash with LiverpoolCredit: ALAMYThe Uruguayan had to be stretchered off and was immediately taken to hospitalCredit: REXHis girlfriend Melany La Blanca rushed to be by his side at hospitalCredit: INSTAGRAM@RODRIGO_BENTANCURHer dash to the hospital came just a few hours after she shared a heartwarming family snapCredit: INSTAGRAM@MELANYLABLANCAMedical staff raced on to the pitch to give the Uruguayan treatment – including oxygen – before taking him off on a stretcher and sending him to the hospital.Bentancur’s girlfriend Melany La Blanca quickly raced to be by his beside – just hours after the pair publicly gushed over their daughter.The Uruguay international reposted a wholesome snap of them posing with their little one, who was dressed in school uniform and appeared to be celebrating a big milestone, to his Instagram story.La Blanca wrote “nuestra tan bebe ya no tan bebe” across the image, which translated to English means: “Our baby’s no longer a baby.”READ MORE ON BENTANCURBentancur, thankfully, regained consciousness before he was admitted to hospital to undergo further evaluation.And the former Juventus ace gave Spurs fans an update on his condition after being given a once-over by doctors.Along with a picture of himself smiling with La Blanca, he wrote on his Instagram story: “All good guys.”Thank you for the messages. Congratulations for the victory boys!!!”Most read in FootballSpurs ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a late strike from Lucas BergvallCredit: REXSpurs put one foot into next month’s final at Wembley with a 1-0 win over the Premier League table-toppers.Youngster Lucas Bregvall struck in the 86th minute to give under-pressure manager Ange Postecoglou a much-needed victory.Watch hilarious moment MASCOT tells Virgil Van Dijk to join Spurs and says ‘we haven’t got any good defenders’The second leg of the tie will take place at Anfield on February 6. More

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    David Beckham reveals unlikely Man Utd idol and admits mum Sandra couldn’t get enough of his thighs

    DAVID BECKHAM has revealed the highly contrasting reasons he and his mum idolized the same Manchester United legend.Becks as a kid had his eyes on his hero’s technique – while Sandra’s eyes were on the player’s thighs!David Beckham and mum Sandra, seen at Wimbledon last summer, both had their eyes fixed on the treats served up by a Man Utd legend in his pompCredit: GettyThe ex-England skipper “always waited outside” Old Trafford – to get the icon’s autograph.But when it came to watching on the pitch he regularly shared moments of awestruck wonder with his mum.The former Red Devils midfielder, 49, named ex-striker Mark Hughes as the object of his obsession.BBC Wales showed a clip of Becks as a wide-eyed child explaining to an interviewer: “I’m looking forward to seeing Mark Hughes and the stadium.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFast forward four decades, and the 49-year-old Inter Miami co-owner told the TV channel how his admiration for the Welshman, now 61, grew.Becks said: “I was always one of those little fans that used to wait outside and get Mark’s and all their autographs.”Mark did things that not many players can do.”The goalkeeper would kick it 50, 60, 70 yards up and it would just stop dead on those thighs of his.”Most read in FootballMark Hughes impressed Becks with his control and big-game scoringCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd it’s that memory that caused Beckham’s eyes to sparkle – as he a wider family interest in Hughes’ attributes sprung to his mind.The ex-Real Madrid star burst into a smile as he added: “My mum loved his thighs!”How Luke Littler celebrated incredible World Darts Championship win as he beams at message from hero David BeckhamFormer Barcelona and Chelsea ace Hughes spent 13 years with United over two spells, also playing for and managing his country.But his seventh and last stint so far as a club boss ended with Bradford sacking him in October 2023.However, Beckham is clear why Hughes was and still is an icon with United supporters.He said: “He was one of those players that always scored great goals in big games. That’s why Mark was so special. “There’s certain players that played for United over the years that set the tone of the club. We were able to learn from players like Mark.”In fact, the occasion Alex Ferguson first handed Becks the shirt number Hughes had worn remains an electric memory.The one-time PSG wideman said: “The boss turned round to me and he said, ‘Son you’re going to wear No 10 this year’. And I was like, ‘That’s Mark’s number!'”Becks spoke on Hughes for a BBC Wales ‘Legends of Welsh Sport’ showCredit: Getty More