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      Inside Panathinaikos’ stadium now used by minnows with 2,500 fans – as Greek side host Chelsea in rented ground

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      CHELSEA are visiting Panathinaikos in the League Phase of the Conference League tonight at Athens Olympic Stadium.The Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) has been used on and off by PAO ever since 2005 as they swap between Greece’s largest stadium and their historic ground of Apostolos Nikolaidis.Panathinaikos are facing Chelsea away from their traditional groundCredit: GettyPanathinaikos’ historic Apostolos Nikolaidis ground is in Leoforos AlexandrasCredit: GettyPanathinaikos have beaten the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona at LeoforosCredit: GettyThe Greek giants competed at their traditional home – also known simply as Leoforos because of its position at Alexandra’s Avenue in the centre of the capital – last season.However, Diego Alonso’s side returned to OAKA for this term after previous issues with the stadium’s roof were dealt with to the satisfaction of Uefa.This comes after the ground, named after famous 1896 Olympic hero Spiros Louis, had to close due to concerns over the stability of its steel dome last year.Greek press claimed authorities lost a manual with detailed instructions regarding the dome’s maintenance left behind by architect Santiago Calatrava – who built the landmark in 2004.Read More on FootballHowever, OAKA has reopened this season and the Blues will be playing in the same venue that hosted the 2004 Olympics as well as the Champions League final in 1983, 1994 and 2007.The Athens stadium holds a capacity of 70,000, which makes it larger than every Premier League ground bar Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Wembley.The club are paying rent to the Greek state, which is worth in the range of €300,000 (£250,000).PAO have experienced immense success at OAKA in the past having beaten the likes of Juventus, Roma and Feyenoord – that was also where they hosted Ajax in the 1995-96 Champions League semi-finals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it doesn’t compare to the glory Panathinaikos have tasted at Leoforos as that is where they played in the 1970-71 campaign.That was when Ferenc Puskas’ side made it to the European Cup final – eliminating Everton in the quarter-finals along the way – at Wembley where they were beaten by Johan Cruyff’s Ajax.Chelsea Player Ratings vs LiverpoolPanathinaikos later enjoyed even more European success at Leoforos as they made it to the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2001-02 campaign by beating the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.However, this season the ground is being used by Superleague opponents Kallithea, who are renting it out and are tasked with the venue’s maintenance.The Greek club needed to meet the necessary top flight requirements to host games, such as installing CCTV, but that would have cost them around €500,000 (£416,000).And so a decision was made to move to a stadium that already has the necessary gear, while Panathinaikos make a profit without having to worry about maintenance while playing in Marousi.Leoforos holds a capacity of 16,620, which is far larger than the average 2,454 attendance rate Kallithea are currently recording this season.Panathinaikos are currently working on building their own stadium at Votanikos – a project that has been in the works in the last two decades.Moving to a new stadiumHowever, Greek reports suggest the state of the art ground, which is expected to hold a capacity of over 40,000, will be completed by Christmas of 2026 or New Year’s Day of 2027.Nevertheless, as per the current rate of construction, the stadium could open its doors in time for the 2027-28 season.OAKA is expected to be at full capacity tonight due to Chelsea’s visit, which will see manager Enzo Maresca missing key players.Levi Colwill, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson are left out.And of course Marcus Bettinelli, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia as well as star man Cole Palmer were omitted from the Conference League list.Tonight will be an emotional match as it marks Panathinaikos’ first home game since star man George Baldock’s tragic death two weeks ago, therefore a series of tributes have been organised.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth teams will be wearing black armbands while a minute’s silence will be held in Sheffield United legend Baldock’s memory.And Oaka has been filled with posters, which read: ” There’s a starman is waiting in the sky”.Chelsea face Panathinaikos at the Athens Olympic Stadium, also known as OAKACredit: GettyOAKA is Greece’s largest stadium with a bigger capacity than every Premier League ground bar Manchester United’sCredit: GettyPanathinaikos have beaten the likes of Juventus, Roma and Feyenoord at OAKACredit: Getty More

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      League One stadium hosting European football for first time in history THIS WEEK with tickets on sale for just £16

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      A LEAGUE ONE stadium is set to host European football for the first time.The decision was agreed by Uefa despite the 9,875-capacity ground never hosting football at higher than third tier level in England.A League One stadium will host European football for the first timeCredit: GettyWrexham’s Racecourse Ground was unavailable to host the fixturesCredit: GettyIn fact, the club that own the ground have never been in the top flight before.However, Welsh side The New Saints were forced to make contingency plans following their shock run to qualify for the Conference League.Despite being from Wales, TNS already play their home games in England – however their 3,000-capacity Park Hall ground in Oswestry, Shropshire, was deemed too small to host European group games by Uefa.As a Welsh club, TNS’ preference was to host games in Wales – and their first port of call was Hollywood-owned Wrexham.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIn 2005, when the team was still called Total Network Solutions, Wrexham hosted their Champions League qualifier with Liverpool.However, the Racecourse Ground was not available to host the games on this occasion.Chairman Mike Harris said back in August: “Places like Cardiff are three hours away from where we are, so our fans and stakeholders can’t really get there. “It’s got to be somewhere more local.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It’s [Shrewsbury’s Croud Meadow] a ground that fits Uefa criteria and it’s 20 minutes down the road from us, so it’s an option.”Wrexham and Shrewsbury would be most ideal for us, but I’m not sure the Racecourse is available. Bolivia move to stadium 2,000 FEET higher in bizarre bid to qualify for World Cup 2026 “So it’s our priority to get the games in a stadium that can cater for the games, but also giving the people around us a chance to go and watch.”TNS take on Astana on Thursday evening at 8pm in their first ever European group stage home game.Tickets are now on sale from £16 for adults.In their opening game, they put up a brave fight away at last season’s finalists Fiorentina, who feature former Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea in their side.The New Saints had never reached a European group stage beforeCredit: GettyShrewsbury’s Croud Meadow will be their temporary homeCredit: GettyThe Welsh champions held the Italians for over an hour before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat after goals from Yacine Adli and Moise Kean.Their other four group games will be against Djurgarden and Panathinaikos at home and Shamrock Rovers and Celje away. More

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      Aerial photos of Stamford Bridge show stadium damage caused by Gent fans during Conference League clash

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      CHELSEA’S first Conference League match of the season was marred by violent scenes from Gent fans at Stamford Bridge.The Blues hosted the Belgian outfit in the League Phase and won 4-2 with a convincing display by Enzo Maresca’s men.Shocking aerial photos show the full extent of the damage caused by Gent fansCredit: PAGent fans tore seats out of Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge groundCredit: PAGent fans caused chaos both inside and outside of Chelsea’s groundCredit: PAGent fans threw the seats away after tearing them outCredit: PAHowever, travelling fans caused chaos both inside and outside of the stadium before the game even began.The visitors filled the plush streets of west London with flares and loud chants as they made their way into the ground.Fans waved scarves over their heads and blocked the middle of the road as cyclists tried to weave between the crowd while buses were completely halted.And when inside, the carnage continued when some fans tore up chairs in the stands and threw them away.Read More on ChelseaThe Chelsea fans were left further horrified when the Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn down.And shocking aerial footage showed the full extent of the damage done.Almost entire rows of seats have been ripped off in what poses as a shameful site.Chelsea, though, had a smooth evening on the pitch as they cruised to their first ever Conference League victory.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe hosts opened the scoring after just 12 minutes with Renato Veiga’s first ever goal for the club and doubled their lead one minute into the second half with Pedro Neto.Gent hit back with Tsuyoshi Watanabe just four minutes later but Christopher Nkunku put the game away on 63 minutes.Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also scored his first ever Chelsea goal only seven minutes later.And Wouter Vrancken’s side grabbed another consolation goal with Omri Gandelman in the 90th-minute mark.Chelsea went on to pick up an easy victory over GentCredit: GettyChelsea won 4-2 despite the shameful scenes at the standsCredit: GettyChelsea’s Renato Veiga and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored their first Chelsea goals despite the chaosCredit: GettyGent fans caused bedlam in the Conference LeagueCredit: Rex More

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      Chelsea fans fume after Gent supporters throw chairs and rip down banners from stands in ugly scenes during clash

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      GENT supporters caused chaos both inside and outside of Stamford Bridge before Chelsea’s Europa Conference League match. Enzo Maresca’s Blues hammered the travelling Belgian side 4-2. Gent fans threw chair seats at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPIt caused ugly scenes inside Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPThe Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn downCredit: GettyScenes turned ugly in the Chelsea away endCredit: GettyA ripped up broken seat is chucked by away fansCredit: GettyBut the visiting Gent fans made their presence known in the hours leading up to the game. They filled the plush streets of West London with flares and loud chants as they made their way into the stadium. Fans waved scarves above their heads and blocked the middle of the road as cyclists tried to weave between the crowd while buses were completely halted.And when inside, the carnage continued when some fans tore up chairs in the stands and THREW them. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe Chelsea faithful were left further horrified when the Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn down. One said: “Disgraceful.”Another added: “The Gent fans were absolutely disgraceful.”Both sets of fans engaged in aggressive chanting back and forth as things looked to be on the brink of escalating. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn the pitch, Chelsea breezed to a comfortable win thanks to goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. It was Maresca’s fifth win on the spin and he said: “We are performing not only in attack but defensively very well. We are happy. Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape “I need to repeat always the same: For sure, we can do many, many things better – we can attack better and defend better. “Tonight probably the most important thing we can learn is even if we are 4-1, even to the final whistle you have to switch on, you cannot switch off.”I think we conceded the second goal just because we saw the game was already finished. “I think if we want to be one step forward, even when you are 4-1 and the game is almost finished, you need to continue and not concede another goal. “We are really happy with the performance. We approached it very well. These games are never easy. “So I am very happy with the performance and the result.”Enzo Maresca celebrates with his playersCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Mudryk has beating of Gent full-back all night but Badiashile makes too many mistakes

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      CHELSEA breezed past lesser opposition as they thrashed Belgian champions Gent 4-2 in the Uefa Conference League tonight.Enzo Maresca’s side continue to impress this season, and did it without the help of Cole Palmer this evening – who has been left out of their Conference League squad.Chelsea breezed past Gent in a 4-2 winCredit: PAThe Blues looked comfortable against lesser oppositionCredit: GettyIt was a night of firsts for the Blues as they played their first ever full Conference League game and two players got their first goal for the club.Both Renato Veiga and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall found the back of the net for the first time since the arriving in SW6.While Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku also found the back of the net in front of a calm Stamford Bridge crowd.Here’s how SunSport’s Dan King rated every Chelsea performance for the win…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilip Jorgensen – 6Confident with his feet, did not have a lot to do with his hands. Absolutely blameless for both Gent goals, let down by defence.Axel Disasi – 5Little to do in first half. Ball into channel led to Chelsea’s second, but first Gent goal was not the last time the Blues looked short on the right.Renato Veiga – 7Excellent header for the opener. Comfortable inverting into midfield, hitting some good passes, but lost man for Gent’s second.Renato Veiga bagged his first goal for ChelseaCredit: GettyTosin Adarabioyo – 5Caught out for Gent’s best first-half chance and nowhere to be seen when the Belgians pulled one back. Weirdly, looked otherwise comfortable.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBenoit Badiashile – 5Shocking first half of poor passes and mistakes which could have been punished. Better after break, but Levi Colwill won’t be losing any sleep.Cesare Casadei – 6Frustrated Maresca at times, but also improved as time went on. Apart from his comedy overhead kick attempt, that is.Antonio Rudiger instantly wins over Arsenal fans as former Chelsea defender pays Gunners stars huge complimentKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Gave the ball away in a shaky start, but grew into the game and delighted boss Enzo Maresca by poaching Chelsea’s fourth.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also scored his first goal for the BluesCredit: GettyPedro Neto – 7After struggling for end product in the first half, delivered an excellent finish to double Chelsea’s lead and his confidence visibly increased Pedro Neto bagged in front of the Stamford Bridge crowdCredit: ReutersJoao Felix – 6Faded after a lively start. Plenty of neat touches but nothing decisive, as if he knows he has no chance of displacing Cole Palmer.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Had the beating of the Gent right back all night long. Great cross from right for opening goal but could not quite find another killer pass.Christopher Nkunku – 6Barely had a kick in the first half, looking lost. Ended the frustration by blasting in Chelsea’s third and celebrated with a balloon.Christopher Nkunku is making a habit of scoring when he playsCredit: GettySubsMarc Guiu (for Nkunku 80′) – 5Fired wide from a narrowish angle.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyrique George (for Neto 80′) – 5Had little chance to show what he could do More

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      Chelsea 4-2 Gent LIVE RESULT: Blues secure routine win in Conference League opener – reaction

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      CHELSEA have beaten Gent 4-2 in their Conference League opener.The Blues broke the deadlock on 12 minutes through summer signing Renato Veiga’s header.Just after the restart, Pedro Neto fired in to double Chelsea’s lead at Stamford Bridge.Tsuyoshi Watanabe halved the Blues’ advantage early in the second half with a superb header before Christopher Nkunku restored Chelsea’s two-goal lead for 3-1.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added a fourth prior to Omri Gandelman’s consolation goal.It was a routine win for Chelsea on the night as they kicked off their Conference League campaign with a win.Match result: Chelsea 4-2 GentChelsea team: Jorgensen, Disasi, Tosin, Badiashile, Veiga, Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall, Neto, Felix, Mudryk, NkunkuGent team: Roef, Brown, Watanbe, Mitrovic, Torunarigha, Gambor, Fadiga, Delorge, Ito, Surdez, GudjohnsenExplainer: Why has Cole Palmer been left out of the squad?FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Stamford Bridge with our live blog below…That’s all from usThank you for joining SunSport’s live match blog.Good night.Copy linkCopiedSome of the night’s highlightsFour goals tonight from Chelsea, with each one needed to keep Gent at bay.Renato Veiga opened the scoring early in the first half.His strike was followed by Pedro Neto’s, which arrived moments into the second half.Christopher Nkunku then used one of his few touches to fire home.And Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was over the moon as he found his first goal for Chelsea.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCredit: ReutersCredit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedNext upSince drawing with Crystal Palace, Chelsea have now won five in a row across all competitions.They will be hoping to keep that run going when they host Nottingham Forest on Sunday.And after that, Chelsea travel to Anfield for a tough clash with Liverpool.That’s followed by a midweek Conference trip to Panathinaikos, before October is seen out by back-to-back league and cup games against Newcastle.Copy linkCopiedMore from Maresca”We try to share minutes as they (the players) deserve it. The ones who play tonight doesn’t mean they wont play the next game.”In moment it’s like this but they compete in same way and this is crucial for us this season.”I know Kiernan very well, when you are in a club and the main player, then move to a big club, it’s not easy because you are not the main player and struggle at the beginning, so I’m very happy for him.”I think was clear you could see the purpose and identity from the team, very clear.”Copy linkCopiedEnzo Maresca speaks”A good performance, every game is tough. I think we approached it very well and got what we deserve.”A good result, good performance, a shame with the second goal we could avoid that, but all in all I’m very happy.”There were some good moments but we have many things we can do better, attack and defend.”Also we need to understand until the final whistle you cannot switch off. But I’m happy with the performance and result.”Copy linkCopiedCatch up with SunSportMissed tonight’s match and just want a concise report?SunSport has you covered below…Copy linkCopiedMore from KDH“Maresca is a breath of fresh air ever since I started working with him.“I’m taken back by his knowledge and what he does is passionate and motivates you.“The lads came up to me so impressed by way he works, you can see they are buying into it.“I’m happy we are getting results and only scratching the surface, let’s see, in six months we will be in a really good position.”Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedDewsbury-Hall speaks”I’m over the moon, I’ve been waiting for that since I joined the club to show what I’m good at. I’m happy it came to fruition tonight.”It’s an amazing feeling I’ll never forget, but winning the game after so many changes is a credit to everyone, I won’t forget this in a hurry.”I pride myself on working hard as I can every day. I’d like to play more but it’s my duty to make sure I’m making the manager think every day.”I feel strong and fit after injury and feel fresh, whenever I’m needed I’ll do my best.”Copy linkCopiedChelesa player ratingsThere were some big showings from Chelsea tonight.But some were less impressive.SunSport’s Dan King has looked at each performance.Check out his ratings below.Copy linkCopiedMatch statsA huge gulf between the two sides in terms of possession.Chelsea also had almost three times as many completed passes as Gent.Only five of their 20 shots were on targeted.But with four resulting in goals, there was no need for Chelsea fans to panic.Copy linkCopiedMore from Neto”We know we won’t be in control of all the game. Even when we are really good we will have to suffer sometimes a bit.”These nights will be difficult because to play here at Chelsea is important, but we always want to win.”To improve we have to have healthy competition.”It comes from the player. Even if starting every game you have to perform every day.”Copy linkCopiedPedro Neto speaksGoalscorer Neto has just delivered his post-match thoughts.The Portuguese ace said: “We did a really good performance. We came to our home to do a great game against a good team, we came here to win the game.”We did a really good job, we conceded two goals but it doesn’t take away from the performance.”Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEFinal score: Chelsea 4 Genk 2 – and another win for Maresca’s Blues.They made hard work of it at times, while looking brilliant in other moments.But Chelsea’s second string are only going to get better with more gamesNext up in the Conference is Greek side Panathinaikos – away from home.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4 Gent 290+3. Nearly over here and the three points are in the bag.Chelsea will be disappointed to concede two, especially one so late.Maresca is sure to have something to say about the latter.But the home supporters are still happy, with a win a win after the last few painful years.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4 Gent 290. Sub Omri Gandelman has netted for Gent.It was a fine strike to beat Jorgensen.And it has sent the away fans wild.Meanwhile, we have four minutes of injury time.Copy linkCopiedGOOOOOAAAAALLLLLGent have pulled another one back!Fair play, that one is for the travelling fans.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4 Gent 188. Maresca is still patrolling the sideline menacingly.He will be pleased for the most part with the performance.And the Italian clearly wanted to see what this second string XI was made of after Gent pulled a goal back.But the boys in Blue have done their job, with the result always being the most important thing for any boss.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedChelsea 4 Gent 186. Gent look to have finally given up the ghost.The Belgians put in an impressive shift after going behind in the first half.But Chelsea have proven a tough nut to crack.And since scoring early into the second half, Gent have not had any more proper chances.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4 Gent 183. So close for Guiu!The striker makes a clever run and is fed behind the defender by Felix.He takes a shot at a tight angle.And the former Barcelona kid hits the side of the post.Copy linkCopiedChelsea subsFirst changes of the night for the hosts, with two goal scorers coming off.Marc Guiu is on for Nkunku up front.While Cobham lad Tyrique George replaces Neto on the right flank.And they will be both be hoping to help Chelsea net a fifth here.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4 Gent 179. Another game, another goal for Nkunku.His stats won’t make for pretty reading.But a goal is a goal and the flexible striker is so far delivering the goods.Dewsbury-Hall has certainly put in a good shift today, and his goal was throughly well deserved.Credit: PACredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChelsea 4 Gent 177. Maresca is sending a message to his players on the pitch.With still no subs on, he must want them to see out this game and show they have defensive steel as well as attacking flair.Dewsbury-Hall still wants more though and smashes a great long shot at Gent’s goal, which is saved by their goalie.Disasi then think’s he’s scored but the ball nicks his chest and goes wide!Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4 Gent 174. A yellow card for Disasi as he concedes a free-kick.But fortunately for the Frenchman, Gent can’t produce anything noteworthy with the set-piece.The Belgians aren’t going anywhere fast though.And Disasi is forced to clear to prevent Brown from getting his foot on the ball in Chelsea’s box.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4 Gent 171. If Chelsea blow it from here there will be hell to pay.Maresca finally allows himself to celebrate as his old Leicester favourite Dewsbury-Hall gets off the mark for Chelsea.Nkunku put pressure on Gent’s defence before poaching the ball.It rolled free to Dewsbury-Hall, who bust a gut from deep to scream home from just inside the box.Copy linkCopiedGOOOOAAAALLLLA fourth goal for Chelsea!And it’s summer signing Dewsbury-Hall!Copy linkCopied More

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      Chelsea fans say ‘would be disgraceful if we didn’t win’ as squad value compared to Conference League rivals is revealed

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      CHELSEA fans declared it “would be disgraceful if we didn’t win” after the value of their squad was revealed against the Europa Conference League’s other sides.The Blues are playing in the competition for the first time, having won two Champions Leagues and two Europa Leagues in the past 12 years.Chelsea fans reckon it will be a ‘disgrace’ if they don’t win the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: PAThe Blues’ squad value has been compared to other rivals in the competitionCredit: ReutersEnzo Maresca’s men came through qualifying against Servette last month.And they kick off their campaign against Belgian giants Gent at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night.It’s no secret that Chelsea have spent big since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali’s arrival.The club has splashed more than £1.2billion on new signings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd despite Chelsea’s squad finally appearing to gel, there are plans in the works for even more arrivals.Unsurprisingly, the Blues have the highest squad value in the entire Europa Conference League.TransferRoom claims they are worth a whopping £1.4bn.And that’s just fractionally less than all the other Conference challengers combined.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTransferRoom reckons the other 35 sides have a combined value of £1.5bn.Italian side Fiorentina have the next-highest value of £268million.Frank Lampard hints at next job after Chelsea sacking he’d be ‘crazy’ to turn downTop five squad values in Conference LeagueChelsea (England): £1.4billionFiorentina (Italy): £268millionReal Betis (Spain): £170millionCopenhagen (Denmark): £85millionGent (Belgium): £80millionThey are followed by Spaniards Real Betis, rated at £170m.While Danish side Copenhagen (£85m) and tomorrow’s opponents Gent (£80m) complete the top five.It means that Chelsea have little excuse for not winning the Europa Conference League on their competition debut – at least according to fans.One said: “Would honestly be disgraceful if we didn’t win.”Another declared: “We’d even be favourites for Champions League if we were competing in it.”One noted: “More European silverware, other London clubs can’t relate.”Another added: “Nah swear if we don’t win this league.”Players signed under Boehly at ChelseaRaheem Sterling – £50mKalidou Koulibaly £33mGabriel Slonina – £8mCarney Chukweumeka – £20mMarc Cucurella – £57.5mCesare Casadei – £13.3mWesley Fofana – £70mPierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £10.3mDenis Zakaria – £2.7m (Loan fee)David Datro Fofana – £10.6mBenoit Badiashile – £33.7mAndrey Santos – £11.1mJoao Felix – £9.7m (Loan fee)Mykhailo Mudryk – £62m Noni Madueke – £30mMalo Gusto – £26.75mEnzo Fernandez – £107.8mChristopher Nkunku – £52mDiego Moreira – FREENicolas Jackson – £31.5mAngelo Gabriel – £13mLesley Ugochukwu – £23.3mAxel Disasi – £38.9mRobert Sanchez – £20mMoises Caicedo – £115mRomeo Lavia – £53.2mDeivid Washington – £13.7mCole Palmer – £40.1mDjordje Petrovic – £13.6mTosin Adarabioyo – FREEMarc Guiu – £5.1mCaleb Wiley – £8.63mRenato Veiga – £12mAarón Anselmino – £14mOmari Kellyman – £19.2mFilip Jorgensen – £21mKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30.2mPedro Neto – £51mJoao Felix – £42.6mMike Penders – £17m More

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      My dad was a Chelsea legend – now I’m making my own way playing AGAINST Blues in Conference League clash

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      ANDRI GUDJOHNSEN is out to sink Chelsea – despite his dad being a club legend. The 22-year-old Gent striker will face Blues in the Europa Conference League on Thursday. Andri Gudjohnsen is the son of a Premier League legendCredit: AFPThe 22-year-old – pictured in 2016 – is the son of ex-Chelsea star Eidur GudjohnsenCredit: GettyEidur won back-to-back Premier League titles with the BluesCredit: ReutersAndri is the son of former Chelsea and Barcelona talisman Eidur Gudjohnsen. The Gudjohnsen family have a strong football heritage, with Andri’s grandad Arnor earning 73 caps for Iceland. But the centre forward – who joined Gent in a deal over the summer – will have no time for sentiment against Enzo Maresca’s men.Gudjohnson began his football journey at La Masia in Spain, before moving to Espanyol. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter scoring 20 goals for the youth setup, Andri was scouted by Real Madrid and joined the club’s reserve side. He scored 4 goals in 20 games for Madrid Castilla in 2021 before moving to IFK Norrkoping in Sweden. But it wasn’t until a loan to Norweigan side Lyngby that the striker’s full potential was unleashed. Andri has since turned into a goal machine, earning himself a lucrative move to Belgium after netting 13 times in 28 games last season. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe has also earned 26 caps for Iceland, scoring 6 times. Chelsea welcome Gent to Stamford Bridge on Thursday, with Gudjohnson returning to the scene of his dad’s finest hours.Watch Enzo Maresca’s incredibly blunt response when asked if he has regrets about axing Chelsea star from squadEider won two back-to-back Premier League titles during his time at Chelsea.He also lifted the League Cup in 2005 and amassed 78 goals in 263 appearances.The forward also played for Tottenham, Fulham, Stoke and Bolton as well as his trophy-filled spell at Barca. As well as Andri, Gudjohnsen has two other sons following in his footsteps.Andri has already amassed more than 20 caps for IcelandCredit: AFPSveinn Aron Gudjohnsen, 26, currently plays as a forward for Norwegian club Sarpsborg.While Daniel, 18, plays in Sweden for Malmo. READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea are currently enjoying a four-game winning run in all competitions. But they will look to improve against Gent following last month’s disappointing 2-1 loss to Swiss side Servette. More