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    Jose Mourinho confirms he has undergone minor surgery but won’t miss a single Fenerbahce training session

    JOSE MOURINHO has confirmed he has undergone “minor surgery” but will not miss a single training session.It had been reported the 61-year-old had to undergo surgery outside of Turkey due to a health problem.Jose Mourinho has confirmed he has undergone minor surgeryHowever, he insisted he will not be missing a training session with FenerbahceCredit: GettyHowever, the Fenerbahce boss has insisted the procedure is nothing to worry about.The Portuguese tactician took to his Instagram page to post an update on his health.In a short video message, he said: “Merry Christmas. And thank you so much for so many messages.”He added a caption to the post saying: “Wishing everyone a happy holiday season. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”May this time be full of love and happiness for you and your families.”For those of you who have shown concern, I can confirm reports of my surgery have been greatly exaggerated, it’s just a quick and minor procedure. “I will resume training on the first day back from the holidays, as always. “I’ve never missed a session in 25 years, and I don’t intend to start now. JM.”Most read in FootballHe was in the dugout for Fenerbahce’s 1-1 draw with Eyupspor in the league on Friday.The Turkish giants are now not back in action until January 5, when they host Hatayspor.Fans call for Jose Mourinho to stick to his word with Millwall hunting for new manager Mourinho’s side currently sit eight points behind league leaders Galatasaray, who remain unbeaten this season.He has previously managed Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma before arriving in Turkey. More

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    ‘Performance of the day’: BBC pundit’s genius Alexis Mac Allister gag leaves fans in stitches on Match of the Day

    FESTIVE cheers was apparent for many during the final Premier League weekend before Christmas.And it was certainly a given in the Match of the Day studio as well, as one witty joke left fans in stitches.Shay Given was in top form on Match of the DayCredit: Match of the DayHe quipped that Alexis Mac Allister was not the only McCallister to be left alone at ChristmasThe joke was a reference to Christmas classic film Home AloneCredit: AlamyLiverpool’s 6-3 thriller against Tottenham was the headline act of the programme.And while analysing the goals from the game, Shay Given was in top form with a clever Christmas gag.The joke came while talking Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister after he was allowed to ghost into the box unmarked before netting the Reds’ second of the game.Seeing Spurs defenders fail to pick up the Argentine, the former goalkeeper quipped: “Not the first Mac Allister to be left alone at Christmas.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting on social media, one fan said: “What a line hahaha.”A second said: “Haha!! Brilliant!”A third added: “This is A+ commentary and creativity.”Another said: “Oh that is superb stuff.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFor the uninitiated, the gag was a reference to Christmas classic film Home Alone.In the film, an eight-year-old boy by the name of Kevin McCallister – played by Macaulay Culkin – is left behind when his family leaves from France, and things take a twist when thieves try to break into the family home.Tottenham boss Postecoglou REFUSES to answer questions after his team ship another hatful of goals in Liverpool lossIn an ironic twist that makes the joke even better, Mac Allister has an older brother called Kevin who currently plays for Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.The nine-goal thriller left Liverpool four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand after Chelsea had been held to a goalless draw with Everton earlier in the day.Meanwhile, Spurs were left in the bottom half of the table, eight points adrift of the top four. More

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    Hard-up Prem fans ‘priced out of buying club shirts’ fuelling boom in fake kit for Christmas gifts

    CASH-strapped Premier League fans are fuelling a boom in fake team shirts for Christmas gifts.Data shows supporters have made 48,510 online searches for counterfeit top-flight club clobber from September to the beginning of December.Premier League fans are fuelling a boom in fake team shirts for Christmas giftsCredit: GettyIn comparison, there were just 4,230 searches from January to August, before the festive shopping season began.Fake Manchester Utd shirts topped the table, with 17,730 searches.The team’s official adult home shirt costs £80, and £55 for children, while both go for £12 on knock-off websites.Betting site Footy Accumulators, which analysed the search data, said: “It is sad to see that clubs have priced many loyal fans out of being able to afford a shirt which is leading them to use websites selling fakes to buy gifts for loved ones this Christmas.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Rising prices mean that a family of four who want new shirts will have to fork out around £370 from club shops whereas if they go to knock off sites the price will be more like £50.“We hope that clubs across the UK take note of these alarming figures and try to make merchandise more affordable in the future to help supporters not have to turn to counterfeit merchandise.”Demand for Arsenal fake shirts soared by 191 per cent over the beginning of the year from just 680 to 5,940 in the run up to Christmas making fake Gooners tops the second most in demand.Newcastle knock offs were third highest in demand with 4,830 searches compared to just earlier in the year – an incredible 419 per cent rise.Most read in FootballTottenham Hotspurs came fourth with demand up from 440 to 3,750 – a 184 per cent rise.Liverpool came fifth on a 169 per cent increase from 460 to 3,720.In sixth place came Manchester City on 3,150 knock off searches – up from 420 and a 150 per cent increase.Non-league club labelled ‘absolute class’ as they rock up to FA Cup tie in bizarre pina colada kit More

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    Tyson Fury reveals retirement decision after devastating Usyk loss as he looks forward to Xmas ‘blowout’ with family

    TYSON Fury has assured pals “it’s not over” despite his devastating world heavyweight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. The Gypsy King flew back to Britain yesterday after hitting out at the judges’ decision in Saudi Arabia – sparking retirement rumours.Tyson Fury sparked retirement rumours after losing his world heavyweight title fight with UsykCredit: GettyTyson reunites with wife Paris, who he had not spoken to for three months amid intense pre-fight preparationsCredit: TNT SportsHe is now set for a Christmas “blowout” with family ahead of a possible £250million clash with rival Anthony Joshua.Tyson warned fans they may never see him box again after the judges controversially awarded the win to the Ukrainian on Saturday night.Dad-of-seven Fury flew back to Manchester on a private jet yesterday afternoon for a reunion with his family after spending the last three months at training camp.His promoter Frank Warren said the fighter plans a traditional Christmas at his home in Lancashire before he makes any decision on his future.READ MORE ON BOXINGHowever, The Sun can reveal the former world champion has told pals: “It’s not over.”And a £250million Battle of Britain mega-fight with rival AJ is already being discussed for next year, with Wembley Stadium touted as the perfect venue.Speaking after the fight, AJ’s ­promoter Eddie Hearn said the clash has to finally happen after being mooted for years.He added: “There’s only one fight for Tyson Fury and that’s Anthony Joshua. It’s the biggest fight probably in the history of British boxing.Most read in Boxing“Everyone will always want to see it. For me, AJ against Fury is the one, it’s the one at Wembley. It will be a huge global event.”Warren agreed, telling The Sun it would be “brilliant”.He said: “It’s what people will want to watch. The Fury/Joshua fight is a great fight and if it ­happens it will be a mega fight, it will be brilliant. But it will only happen if Tyson wants to do it and that’s a big if. And if he doesn’t want to do it, then so be it.”Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with classy message to Tyson Fury after victory in heavyweight rematchThe veteran promoter raised hopes of the pair facing off, saying: “Look, Tyson’s a fighting man, that’s what he’s driven by, that’s what gives him a sense of purpose.”The fight would rake in around £250million through box office and pay-per-view revenues.Boxing insiders say the fighters could pocket purses in excess of £100million.Fury, 36, is already estimated to have a net worth of £110million, while 35-year-old Joshua’s wealth tops £100million.Hearn hopes to sign a two-fight deal for London and Riyadh.The pair, who have now both lost twice to Usyk, had originally agreed to fight in Saudi Arabia in 2021. But a judge ruled US boxer Deontay Wilder was entitled to exercise his option to fight the Gypsy King instead.Joshua was knocked out by fellow Brit Daniel Dubois in September.Dubois, who holds the IBF world title, was branded an “embarrassment” for confronting Usyk in the ring after Saturday’s fight.Dubois, knocked out by Usyk in 2023, grabbed a microphone and said: “I want my revenge for the robbery last time. Let’s go, let’s go. Make it happen Frank!” Usyk said he was open to a rematch but first wanted “to go home and rest”.It came after Fury had stormed out when all three judges deemed Usyk the winner.Fury was comforted by wife Paris, who he had not spoken to for three months amid intense pre-fight preparations.He said later: “What’s next for me? I’m going home and having some time off.”Asked if the public will see him fight again, he added: “You might do, you might not do. Who knows? We’ll talk about that next year.”He previously revealed he will be downing “plenty of eggnog and mince pies, turkey, and all that” this Christmas.Warren praised his fighter, who has battled mental health demons.Fury is looking ahead to a potential £250m clash with Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyActor Jason Statham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in the audience in RiyadhCredit: PAHe said: “It’s how it should be, he wants a traditional Christmas. He wants to switch off and be with his family. He’s been in training camp for three months.“He hasn’t spoken to his family for three months, that’s how determined he was to win this fight.“From my perspective I don’t want him to make any decisions, or even discuss boxing, until he’s ready. If he said to me tomorrow he wants to fight on, I’d say OK. If he said he wants to retire, I’d say, ‘Great, whatever you want to do, I’m with you’.”He claimed Fury’s legacy is assured, whatever he decides to do next.Warren said: “He’s a two-time world champion, he’s been in so many epic, spectacular fights in the 21st century in the heavyweight division. And you think where he’s come from, how he’s championed mental health, he has bipolar, he has had a lot of problems outside the ring and he’s been a champion in beating them. On top of that he’s a decent person.“He deserves his downtime now, go and rest up and then make his decision as to what he wants to do. There’s lots of options there, including a Joshua fight.”Fury, who lost the first Usyk fight in May on a split decision, raised his hand in celebration at the end of a dramatic 12 rounds in Riyadh on Saturday night.But he was left reeling when all three judges scored the fight 116 to 112 in Usyk’s favour.Fury claimed later they had given Usyk, 37, a “Christmas gift”.He said: “There’s no doubt in my mind I won the fight, that’s it, we can’t cry over it.“We didn’t feel no spirit, we felt a bit of Christmas spirit in there and I think he got a little Christmas gift from them judges.“It is what it is, I’m not going to cry over spilt milk, it’s happened now. I know boxing, I’ve been in it all my life, you can’t change a decision but you always feel a little bit hard done by, not a little bit, a lot.“But when you don’t get the knockout this is what happens, you can’t guarantee a win. In that fight there, he never hurt me once, I’ve got a couple of flesh wounds, they’ll be gone in two or three days.“Not a mark on me, but listen, it is what it is, I know what’s happened, I’ll go home, there’s not much else I can say.”Meanwhile Warren raged: “How did Tyson only win four rounds? It’s impossible. It’s nuts! Crazy! That’s nonsense. I am dumbfounded, I don’t get it.”He added: “Tyson is gutted. He won the fight. I am biased — but I’m not stupid.”An AI judge also had Usyk as victor, by 118 to 112. But Fury was not impressed, blasting: “F**** all the computers, keep the humans going. More jobs for humans, less jobs for computers. F* electric cars too, while we’re at it.”Among the stars at the Kingdom Arena were actor Jason Statham with model partner Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan.Brit Lennox Lewis was seated beside fellow ex-heavyweight world champ Wladimir Klitschko, while former featherweight world title holder Naseem Hamed was also there watching.READ MORE SUN STORIESUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Usyk’s win, calling it proof that the country “will not give up what’s ours”.He posted on Telegram: “Victory! So important and so necessary for all of us now.”Daniel Dubois, who holds one of the heavyweight belts, was in attendanceCredit: PASnooker’s Ronnie O’Sullivan watched the clashCredit: PAFury narrowly lost the boutCredit: Getty More

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    Love rat Man City ace Kyle Walker WILL spend Christmas Day with estranged wife & children after pair agree festive truce

    FOOTIE ace Kyle Walker will be with estranged wife Annie Kilner on Christmas Day after they agreed to put their divorce to one side for the sake of their kids.The England and Man City star, 34, faces a blockbuster legal fight for a share of his £27million fortune in the New Year.Kyle Walker and estranged wife Annie Kilner agreed to put their divorce to one side for the sake of their kidsCredit: AFP or LicensorsKyle secretly fathered a second child with model ex-mistress Lauryn GoodmanCredit: AlamyAnnie booted him out after he secretly fathered a second child with model ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.But they will call a Christmas truce for their four children — Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, six-year-old Reign and baby Rezon.A source said: “It’s been a horrible 12 months. But huge credit to Annie.”Despite everything Kyle has done, she couldn’t bear the thought of him waking up alone on Christmas Day without his children.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER“They’re putting everything to one side to save the kids from any more heartache.”Kyle will spend Christmas morning with Annie and the kids before joining up with his City teammates ahead of their Boxing Day clash with Everton.Annie, 31, could then return to Sheffield to be with her family, including sister Sian.The £150,000-a-week defender was kicked out this time last year after Lauryn, 34, revealed the truth to a then heavily pregnant Annie.Most read in FootballIn a message sent on December 27, she wrote: “Hey it’s Lauryn. I just wanted to quickly tell you that Kyle is the father of our daughter.”Annie kicked Kyle out and he rented a mansion close to the family home in Prestbury, Cheshire. In his only interview, he told The Sun days later: “What I’ve done is horrible and I take full responsibility.”Kyle Walker and ex-lover Lauryn Goodman in fresh row over intercom security system at her £2.4m homeThe couple tried to repair the damage but looked worlds apart at the Euros as Kyle and his Three Lions teammates laboured to the final before defeat to Spain.He returned to the UK a day later and within hours was in court in London for a showdown with Lauryn over money for their daughter, Kinara.A judge accused Lauryn of using his desperation to keep it a secret as “leverage” to get what she wanted.Pals of Annie and Kyle hoped the scathing judgement would bring them closer together.But it pushed them further apart – laying bare the extraordinary sums of money Kyle had paid Lauryn in a bid to win her silence.Annie now wants a 50-50 share of his fortune as part of a “financial divorce”.Kyle will spend Christmas morning with Annie and the kids before joining up with his City teammatesCredit: BackGridKyle was kicked out by Annie this time last year More

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    Faltering Man City ace Erling Haaland’s girlfriend shells out fortune on designer goods at posh store

    MISFIRING Man City ace Erling Haaland is set to net a sackful at Christmas, his girlfriend’s shopping receipt suggests.Isabel Haugseng Johansen splashed more than £6,000 at Selfridges — including a £1,670 backpack and a £950 Gucci hoodie for the Nordic goal-scoring sensation.Erling Haaland is set to net a sackful at ChristmasCredit: GettyHaaland’s partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen spent thousands on Christmas gifts for the Man City strikerCredit: EPAShe also bought a £2,700 Gucci handbag in the online spree.Details of Isabel’s spend emerged after blundering Selfridges staff sent her receipt to another customer by mistake.The woman — a Man United fan who asked not to be named — said: “I opened an envelope which had my receipt in it, and then I saw another one.“I was shocked. I’m just gutted his presents weren’t for me.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHaaland, 24, who has scored three goals in his last 12 Premier League games, is expecting his first child with Isabel, 20.Selfridges was contacted for comment.Haaland and Isabel were united by football in their homeland.They met each other when they were kids, who shared a mutual interest in the beautiful game and played for Byrne.Most read in FootballLike Haaland, she too was an aspiring footballer in her youth who dreamed of becoming pro.In a rare interview, she recalled: “We were just kids, kicking a ball around without a care in the world.”Erling Haaland does pull ups on cliff edge and runs with wolves as Man City ace stars in insane Beats by Dre advert Isabel is an aspiring footballerCredit: SplashThe WAG splashed over £6,000 at SelfridgesCredit: Alamy More

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    ‘This is crazy’ – Fans can’t get enough of Tyson Fury’s walk-on song for Oleksandr Usyk rematch

    TYSON FURY got into the festive spirit with his Christmas-themed walk-out against Oleksandr Usyk. The pair put on a 12-round thriller in May with Usyk emerging as the first four-belt undisputed champion in heavyweight history.Tyson Fury got into the festive spirit with his Christmas-themed walk-outCredit: GettyFans loved the Santa-inspired outfitCredit: ReutersNow, seven months later and they run it back with Fury bulking up to 20 STONE as he prepares to fight for the first time with a loss.And not only has he piled on the pounds but the Gypsy King also grew out his beard – which Usyk tried to get him to trim. But Fury stood firm and kept the bushy beard – seemingly paying homage to it on his way to the ring. He walked out to Mariah Carey’s classic All I Want For Christmas is You. READ MORE ON TYSON FURYThe two-time heavyweight champion also wore red Santa-inspired attire – and fans loved it. One said: “Tyson Fury just walked out to Mariah Carey wearing a Santa suit.”Another added: “This is the most Tyson Fury thing ever.”One hailed: “Fury really went all in on the Santa bit.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Grew the beard, wore the costume AND went on a high calorie diet.”Another said: “Fury coming out with “All I want for Christmas is you” is crazy.”Shock as Johnny Fisher beats David Allen in split decision as Saudi crowd is stunned More

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    Brentford 0 Nottingham Forest 2: Nuno’s side leapfrog Arsenal into third as remarkable form continues

    NOTTINGHAM Forest’s dream season continued as they snatched away the best home record in the Premier League with a clinical win at Brentford.Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga scored the goals as Forest became the first side to not only take all three points at the Gtech Community Stadium, but also to silence a Brentford attack that had scored 26 goals in eight previous home games.Nottingham Forest inflicted Brentford’s first home defeat of the seasonCredit: AlamyOla Aina broke the deadlock in the 38th minute at the G-tech Community StadiumCredit: RexFormer Man Utd winger Anthony Elanga doubled Forest’s lead inside 51 minutesCredit: PAForest leapfrogged Arsenal in third with the Gunners playing later on SaturdayCredit: PANuno Espirito Santo’s side and the Forest fans can tuck into their turkey dreaming of Champions League football next season if they can maintain this remarkable form.Only Chelsea have picked up more points on their travels this season than Nuno’s men.Forest travelled to West London having visited Arsenal and the two Manchester clubs on their previous three away days.Given that Brentford had collected 22 points out of a possible 24, scoring 26 goals in eight home games so far this Premier League season, a date at the Gtech was an even more daunting task for Nuno’s men.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere were some worrying signs early on. With only four minutes gone, Yoane Wissa played in Mikkel Damsgaard only for the Dane to scuff his shot and see it pushed away by Forest keeper Matz Sels.Brentford then forced a succession of corners and one of them came out to Bryan Mbeumo. His curling cross picked out Kristoffer Ajer whose header skimmed inches wide.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWissa then took advantage of hesitation by Morato and Neco Williams to nip between the two Forest defenders and hook in a shot which landed on the roof of the net.Having soaked up the Brentford, Forest carved out a chance of their own just after the half-hour.Aina shows off his left foot declaring, ‘It’s still hot!!!’Elliot Anderson combined with Williams before crossing for Chris Wood to head goalwards, being denied only by a plunging stop by Mark Flekken.Williams was involved again when the visitors took a 38th-minute lead. He sprinted onto a Callum Hudson-Odoi pass, beat Ajer and pulled the ball back cross the Brentford area where Ola Aina was waiting to steer home his second goal of the season.It was the fourth time this season that Brentford had gone behind at home. They won each of the previous three.If that suggested a comeback by the home side, Forest clearly hadn’t read the script. After all, they had already won at Anfield and Old Trafford this season, and secured a draw at Stamford Bridge.Nuno’s side have dispensed with their inferiority complex that marked their first two Premier League campaigns.Within six minutes of the restart they doubled their lead. Keane Lewis-Potter, converted into a left-back in recent weeks by Brentford boss Thomas Frank, made a has of controlling a long punt forward. The ball bounced into the path of Anthony Elanga, who immediately drove infield found the far bottom corner with a curling shot.The winger might have made it 3-0 three minutes later, but this time his shot was beaten away by Brentford keeper Flekken.His opposite number Sels then produced one of the saves of the season as Brentford tried to respond, albeit that the Forest stopper used his head.Mbeumo headed a cross into the path of Ajer whose shot was turned away at point-blank range by Sels’s head as he threw himself in the way of the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Brentford, the loss of their proud unbeaten home record this season compounded the disappointment felt by their tame Carabao Cup exit at Newcastle in midweek.But the day belonged to Forest who will spend Christmas Day in the Champions League places. More