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    Top 20 most-followed clubs on Earth revealed as Man Utd DOUBLE Arsenal and Cristiano Ronaldo effect continues

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      in Boxing

      Fabio Wardley thought he was being SCAMMED on Facebook when Oleksandr Usyk asked him for sparring

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      FABIO WARDLEY thought he was being SCAMMED after being approached to spar Oleksandr Usyk in 2018. Usyk was preparing to defend his undisputed cruiserweight titles against Britain’s Tony Bellew at the time. Fabio Wardley with Oleksandr Usyk in 2018Wardley thought he was being scammed when he got the sparring offerCredit: Instagram / @fabiowardleyWardley was just 4-0 having only turned professional a year earlier off the back of four wins on the white collar circuit. So when the former recruitment consultant got a message to join Usyk’s camp in Kyiv – he could not quite believe it. Wardley told The Times: “I got this message on Facebook in broken English and at first I thought it might be a scam. “I was confused as to why I’d even be on Usyk’s radar. I’d left my job in London to focus on my career and I was working part-time in a commercial gym. READ MORE IN BOXING”I asked them for three weeks off and they said no, so I left. I flew to Ukraine and a driver had a sign with my name on it. “He didn’t speak a lick of English and I got into this stranger’s white van and I thought, ‘I don’t know if I’m making it home’, but then I met his team and they were all really nice. “I was extremely green. I didn’t know the scale of Usyk’s skill. To even lay a glove on him was really difficult. “I think I got something like £750 per week.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWardley’s success is one of the most unlikely in British boxing after forgoing amateur experience. His handful of white collar fights started as a way of keeping fit and ended with aspirations of a genuine pro career. Fabio Wardley faces off with Justis Huni ahead of his homecoming fight Wardley got his break in 2018 after sparring with Dillian Whyte and later being signed to his management stable. And he has since racked up 18 wins with just one draw – against Frazer Clarke which he brutally avenged in their rematch. Wardley now has the chance to put himself in line for the heavyweight titles former sparring partner Usyk holds. He said: “When I turned professional, I just thought I’d have a few fights and if I could win any kind of belt in my career, I’d be happy to have something decent to look back on. “I wasn’t supposed to be achieving these kinds of things.I got this message on Facebook in broken English and at first I thought it might be a scam. I was confused as to why I’d even be on Usyk’s radar.Fabio Wardley “I fought at the O2, then I headlined the O2, I’ve fought in Saudi Arabia as the chief support to Tyson Fury and to Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol. “It keeps feeling like we’ve peaked and that it can’t get any better and now I’m fighting at the stadium in my hometown. “I’m genuinely on the edge of a world title, which sounds crazy for me just to say.”Wardley, 30, has his homecoming Ipswich fight at Portman Road against Australian Justis Huni, 26, on Saturday.He was initially set to fight Jarrell Miller – the controversial serial drug cheat – until the American pulled out due to “injury”. So Aussie Huni – who won gold at the amateur World Youth Championships in 2016 – filled in as a late replacement on five weeks’ notice. Read More on The SunWardley said: “Huni is another opponent from a completely different end of entry in boxing terms. “After starting in white-collar, anything was a win. This wasn’t realistic, but you always imagine.”Wardley facing off with Justis Huni at Portman RoadCredit: Instagram @justis_huni More

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      in Soccer

      Meet the Conference League final WAGs as Chelsea take on Real Betis…from Spain’s Posh & Becks to beauty with unusual job

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      THOUSANDS of football fans have descended on Wraclow, Poland for tonight’s hotly anticipated Europa Conference League final.Chelsea will take on Spanish side Real Betis – and the players will, of course, be cheered on from the stands by their devoted WAGs.Connie Grace will be there to cheer on Cole Palmer in the finalCredit: Instagram/conniegrace_She and the football ace have been Instagram official since last yearCredit: Instagram/conniegrace_Cole met Connie Grace at school but the pair didn’t start dating until recentlyCredit: SplashIt may be the third tier of continental football in Europe, behind the second tier Europa League and the first tier Champions League, but that doesn’t mean the glamour is any less dazzling – with the teams’ wives and girlfriends including a movie star.And the women certainly boast brains as well as beauty, with a law graduate, tax expert and entrepreneur amid their ranks.Here we take a look at the WAGs who are building up a fan base of their own.CHELSEACole Palmer and Connie GraceLike Cole, 22-year-old Connie hails from Manchester, where she runs a nail salon.READ MORE SPORT FEATURESShe has built up an impressive social media following thanks to posts showcasing her stunning figure on sun-kissed trips to Jamaica, Ibiza and Dubai.The cute couple have known each other since they were 17, but romance appears to have blossomed last summer when they were spotted together on a luxury boat in Ibiza after flying to the island on a private jet.They finally went Insta-official in November at the GQ Men of the Year awards where she dazzled with the Blues midfielder in a daring cut-out dress.In the documentary England’s Lions: A New Generation, blonde Connie opened up about their relationship, saying: “We met when we were 17. I think he knew me through mutual friends so I think he probably had his eye on me.Most read in Europa LeagueShe added: “Oh, he’s warm and cuddly. Well, with me, hopefully with no one else.”She later explained that fame hasn’t changed her partner, adding: “Cole now is still the same Cole that I met when I was 17. Obviously, he’s changed, he’s grown up, and his life now is completely different, but he’s still the same boy, he’s still laid-back Cole.”Marc Cucurella and Claudia RodriguezHarry Maguire’s wife Fern leads Man Utd Wags flocking to Bilbao for Europa League final with TottenhamClaudia often take the kids to see their dad play in matches around the worldCredit: Instagram/_claurodriCucurella met Claudia in 2018 and the couple have married and welcomed three childrenCredit: Instagram/_claurodriCucurella and Claudia’s love story began in 2018 in Barcelona when the left-back played for the Catalans.The defender and model Claudia now share three children – Mateo, Rio and Bella – and she has recently opened up to fans about Mateo’s autism diagnosis.Stunning Claudia, 25, allowed cameras into their family home as part of the TV show Married to the Game, and said: “We saw something different about Mateo when he was small, about 13 months old, but it was a long process to get the diagnosis. When he was smaller it was easier but now he’s growing up, it’s more difficult.“When we moved to Chelsea, we started him at school and he was very upset, and we didn’t know the solution. You have to find it yourself, and you feel very bad because you are not prepared for it.”Despite the family’s struggles, Claudia maintains a positive outlook and regularly posts glam pictures and snapshots of their daily lives on Instagram where she has amassed more than 130,000 followers.Filip Jorgensen and Noemie RomeeNoemie worked for the Ministry of Finance in HollandCredit: Instagram / @filipjorgensen1She moved to London with her goalkeeper Beau in 2024Credit: Instagram / @filipjorgensen1Stunning Noemie joined goalkeeper Filip in London when he signed for the Blues last year.Before that the stunning brunette worked in the tax department of the Ministry of Finance in Holland, and it is not known if she has kept on that role.But the hard-working young couple certainly know how to play hard too, regularly sharing posts on social media of their travels, trips to theme parks and their pet Pomeranian dog.Noemie is also Filip’s biggest fan, posting videos of herself wearing a Chelsea shirt with his name emblazoned across the back. In one of her posts she gushed: “You have my heart Filip Jorgensen”.Reece James and Mia McClenaghanStunning Mia has a law degree from Royal HollowayCredit: Instagram/miamcclenaghanThe couple went public with their relationship in 2020Credit: Instagram/miamcclenaghanStunning blonde Mia is not just a pretty face – she studied law at Royal Holloway, University of London, and graduated in 2021.She then went on to advise prisoners at HMP Coldingley about family matters.Away from her legal career Mia has been dating Chelsea captain Reece for years, and they made their relationship public in November 2020 when James, 25, posted a picture with Mia on her birthday, calling her his “best friend”. Since then they’ve shared glimpses of their life together, including celebrating milestones and luxury holidays.But Essex-born Mia recently decided to step away from the spotlight, making her social media profiles private.REAL BETISIsco Alcaron and Sara SalamoSara has over a million Instagram followers and appeared on hit TV showsCredit: Instagram/sarasalamoThe couple opted to have a secret wedding ceremony after years togetherCredit: Instagram/sarasalamoThe Real Betis star and his wife have been dubbed the Spanish ‘Posh and Becks’. Sara, 33, is a leading Spanish actress with more than 35 film and TV credits to her name.Her popularity from hit shows El Favor, Stories to Stay Awake, The Year of Fury and Drug Squad: Costa del Sol has won her almost a million Instagram followers.The couple have been together since 2017, but finally tied the knot last year in a secret ceremony.Posting incredible snaps from their fairytale wedding, Tenerife-born Sara wrote: “Seven years, three children, four dogs… And a few days ago we said that we love each other again in front of the altar.”Stunning Sara regularly posts pictures detailing her incredible career on social media, but also gushing comments supporting her husband in his football.Antony and Rosilene SilvaRosilene is regularly seen at football games supporting her boyfriendCredit: Instagram/rosiilenny_The couple are childhood sweethearts who met as children in BrazilCredit: Instagram/rosiilenny_Manchester United star Antony has had a career renaissance since going on loan to Real Betis last season, after being frozen out by the Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim.In the run-up to this week’s final, he broke down as he detailed his struggles at Old Trafford where he was so unhappy he went for days without eating.But no doubt his loyal WAG Rosilene Silva was there to provide support. The couple were childhood sweethearts who met during their school days in Sao Paolo, Brazil. In 2019 Rosilene and Antony welcomed a baby boy named Lorenzo. And last year the couple added a baby girl, Lavinne, to their brood.The mum-of-two regularly shares photos enjoying days out with their young family on social media, with both parents besotted with their babies.And her posts documenting their glamorous lives have earned her an impressive 112k followers on Instagram.Pablo Fornals and Tania Lara VelascoTania and Marin have a two sons together, one born before their marriageCredit: Instagram/tannialvThe couple regularly enjoy luxury holidays abroadCredit: Instagram/tannialvMidfielder Fornals married Tania in their native Spain in 2023, just 48 hours after helping his former club West Ham lift the Europa Conference League trophy. Before the big day, Fornals took to Instagram to post a short message joking: “Best week of my life for sure. No worries my love, I’ll be there.”The couple, who already had one son, Martin, recently welcomed their second son Mateo into the world, with Tania posting a loving picture on social media captioned: “Welcome to the world little prince. You have arrived to complete us. Seeing you and your brother together is the most beautiful thing our eyes have ever seen.”The family returned to Spain when Fornals moved to Real Betis in 2024.With her model looks, Tania regularly posts about their family life along with breathtaking snaps of luxury holidays to Thailand, the Maldives and Paris.Johnny Cardoso and Lela ObinoStunning Lela is often seen on trips abroad to places like ParisCredit: Instagram/lelaobinoHer boyfriend Johnny hails from New Jersey in the United StatesCredit: Instagram/lelaobinoAmerican midfielder Johnny joined Real Betis in December 2023 and prefers to let his football do the talking, keeping his private life under wraps.But his Instagram posts reveal his long-term love is Lela Obino.Blonde Lela has almost 35k Instagram followers herself and regularly posts snapshots of the couple’s glamorous lifestyle including a city break to Paris, a ski trip to the French alps, and beach holidays in Portugal, Marbella and Greece.Read More on The SunAnd she likes to keep super-active, sharing pictures of her practising yoga, skate-boarding and water-skiing.It isn’t known what Lela does for a career, but with her stunning good looks and burgeoning social media followers, she could soon be counted amongst the ranks of WAG influencers. More

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      in Boxing

      Georgia O’Connor’s heartbreaking final post just days before boxer’s death aged 25

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      GEORGIA O’CONNOR posted a heartbreaking final Instagram message just over a week before her tragic passing. The inspirational boxer  – who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 – first revealed her cancer news in January.Georgia O’Connor with her husband before her sad passingCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She got married before her deathCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She was also previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) – a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.O’Connor had the boxing community in her corner all the way until she sadly passed away aged 25 from a rare and aggressive cancer.In her final Instagram post – ten days before her death – the brave boxer revealed she had married her boyfriend Adriano.She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.”READ MORE IN BOXINGInspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero.In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano.She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold on to him, because that kind of love is rare.”From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me.Most read in Boxing”Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me…”Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport”I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate.”A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.”Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate.”I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you.”You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.”Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory.”We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.”Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter – who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021 – following her sad passing. Her promoters Boxxer posted: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon.”Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.”Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions wrote: “Everyone at Queensberry Promotions are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”All of our thoughts are with her friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Georgia.”England Boxing added: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds & European Championships.”Our thoughts are with her loved ones.”Read More on The SunO’Connor was not only a talented boxer but also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.Away from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing and became an inspiration to many after documenting her horror cancer fight.O’Connor had a 3-0 pro recordCredit: PAShe first revealed her cancer news in JanuaryCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1Promoter Ben Shalom with O’ConnorCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1 More

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      in Soccer

      Emotional Leicester fans say ‘delete this’ as club share pics of Jamie Vardy packing his things into a cardboard box

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      LEICESTER fans want the club’s social media admin to stop reminding everyone that Jamie Vardy is leaving.Pictures and touching footage showed Vardy’s final days of being a Leicester player this week.Leicester posted behind-the-scenes pictures of Jamie Vardy’s final days at SeagraveVardy carried cardboard boxes after playing his game on SundayVardy scored his 200th Leicester goal before waving goodbye to Leicester fans at the King Power StadiumThe final Vardy Party got off to the perfect start when the club’s greatest ever player scored his 200th goal in in his 500th game.The Foxes beat Ipswich Town 2-0 in Vardy’s final home game after 13 incredible years at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.And that marked the final time the Premier League legend, 38, pulled on his blue No9 shirt.Rather than finish with an away game at Bournemouth on the final day, Vardy wanted to go out in front of his own fans.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd now, after a loud send off, with trophies, banners and chants, Leciester have shared clips of Vardy’s final days behind the scenes.The footage begins with Vardy at home on Sunday morning, with his young daughter telling him “to score a goal”.He hugged hundreds of staff members, sipped a cold one in the changing room after the game and kissed wife Rebekah before waving to the fans. Leicester’s X page has since posted pictures of Vardy walking through a back-stage corridor in a tracksuit with cardboard boxes on Wednesday.Most read in FootballThe Foxes forward joined Leicester 13 years ago but will leave at the end of the seasonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe post read: “One last day at Seagrave for Vards 😔”And Leicester fans haven’t taken the sad reminder well, with one writing: “Please delete this”.Rebekah Vardy throws husband Jamie a surprise party as he leaves Leicester CityWhile a second said: “Are you trying to make us even more depressed 😐.”A third added: “Let us have the memories of Sunday. This is heartbreaking.”The club hosted a lavish huge surprise party Vardy’s honour on Monday night, with the bar tab hitting the thousands.Vardy won the FA Cup in 2021 but is best remembered for the Foxes’ 5,000-1 Premier League title triumph.The 26-capped England stirker has been linked with a free move to Crystal Palace. More

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      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta will be sacked by Christmas if Arsenal are not in top two, warns former Gunners star

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      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta could be sacked come Christmas next season.That is according to a club legend who insists the Gunners will have to be at least second in the Premier League table before the New Year or may have to find a new manager.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could be sacked come Christmas next seasonArsenal legend Paul Merson insists Arteta will have to be at least in the top two before the New YearThe North Londoners are set to finish as runners-up for the third year in a row and many argue Arteta, 43, is facing a make-or-break campaign next term with the club longing for a title.Arsenal haven’t won the Premiership since 2004 and questions have started to rise regarding the Spanish tactician’s ability to lead them to the top.Especially after some questionable decisions, such as not signing a natural striker – a matter that is expected to be resolved in the summer with the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko targeted.And Paul Merson is adamant Arteta has only got until Christmas to convince the board he can be the first manager to win a Premier League title in the post-Arsene Wenger era.Read More on ArsenalMerson, 57, insists the Arsenal manager can’t hide behind any excuses as the club is more than capable of attracting top-level players.And four seasons without a title, despite all the quality in the squad, will purely not be good enough.Merson told Sky Sports: “That would be my worry: I think Arteta has got until Christmas. They will have to be in the top two at Christmas to keep on going.”If you get to four [seasons without any major trophies], you can’t [keep going]. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”People want to come to Arsenal so it’s not like they’re scratching to get players – and they’ve got the money.”For me, next year he’s got to be in the top two by Christmas or they’ll go for someone else. Mikel Arteta gives passionate speech to fans in Emirates after win over Newcastle“It’s timings. You have timings, you’ve got to make opportunities. “When it’s your time, you’ve got to make it count. Look at Liverpool, they went 30 years without a title and then all of a sudden it comes around – they win trophies.“I just think they have to make it count and I think this is the last year.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Good way to find out’ – Championship star sees he’s been released on INSTAGRAM before sending snide message to club

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      KIAN BEST took a swipe at Preston North End after apparently finding out he was released by his boyhood club via Instagram.Best, 19, spent his entire career at Preston after joining the Championship outfit’s academy at a very young age and signed a scholarship deal in 2021 before going pro two years later.Kian Best was released from Preston North EndBest suggested he found out about his release on social mediaDespite a promising start, the left-back found opportunities hard to come by at Deepdale and was ultimately loaned out to Bohemians in the League of Ireland Premier Division in January.That spelled the end of his long stint with the Lilywhites, who announced the ex-England Under-19 international’s release on Saturday.Preston issued a post on social media, along with a slideshow of players who are set to leave. It read: “We’d like to wish the players leaving us this summer the very best of luck for the future.”It included an image of Best with the following caption: “Thank you Besty”.Read More on FootballThe full-back then immediately took to social media where he shared a screenshot of Preston’s announcement and suggested he wasn’t informed about his release before the attached post was published. Best issued the following story: “Good way to find out through Instagram.”The youngster appears to have since deleted his post on social media.SunSport have approached Preston for comment.Most read in ChampionshipBest’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season and the player reportedly held no discussions with the club over an extension.Preston also announced the release of Freddie Woodman, Emil Riis, Patrick Bauer and Ryan Ledson, whose partner is a soap star.Kian Taylor was also included in the released section. More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Best I’ve felt’ – Tommy Fury shows off shredded body ahead of birthday boxing fight on same card as his brother

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      TOMMY FURY showed off his shredded physique as he celebrated his birthday.The boxer posted a snap on social media looking ripped as he stood in a lift without a shirt on.Tommy Fury showed off his shredded physique on InstagramCredit: Instagram @tommyfuryFury, 26, heads back into the ring on Friday night for the first time since October 2023.His last fight came against YouTuber KSI at the AO Arena in Manchester, which he won.He is now expected to lace up his gloves against Bosnian cruiserweight Kenan Hanjalic in Budapest, Hungary.Ahead of the showdown, he celebrated his 26th birthday with a post on Instagram.READ MORE ON SPORTFury looked in incredible shape in the picture, wearing just a pair of shorts.He suggested that his training camp has been a success and that he is “feeling the best”.He wrote: “26 years young today.”In the thick of a training camp but feeling the best I’ve felt in a long time.”Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFury’s 5.2million followers were left impressed with the snap as they flooded the comment section.One posted: “Looking great.”Tommy Fury turned down HUGE offer to fight Jake PaulFury’s last fight was against KSI – which he wonCredit: ReutersA second commented: “Unbelievable condition.”A third wrote: “You shredded up quick bro.”A fourth said: “Looking incredibly ready on the outside and inside.”Another added: “You look amazing.”Fury will be fighting on the same card as his brother, Roman Fury.Roman, 28, will be stepping into the ring for the fifth time in his career to take on Josip Pehar in a heavyweight clash.Meanwhile, Fury has insisted that 2025 has been the best year of his life.Who is on the Tommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic undercard?Here is a look at the fights on the undercard…Tommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – cruiserweightRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – heavyweightShokhjakhon Abdullaev vs Irakli Alanidze – cruiserweightValentin Koloszar vs Alexandru Ionita – featherweight More

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      in Soccer

      ‘It was meant to be’ – Fans convinced Alexander-Arnold was destined for Real Madrid transfer from first ever Insta post

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      LIVERPOOL’S departing star Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first ever Instagram post involved Real Madrid… 11 years before his impending move to the Santiago Bernabeu.Alexander-Arnold, 26, officially announced he will be leaving Anfield when his contract expires in an emotional statement on Monday.Trent Alexander-Arnold announced he is leaving Liverpool amid interest from Real MadridAlexander-Arnold’s first ever Instagram post was about RealFans believe it’s Alexander-Arnold’s destiny to play for RealHe is now set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer following the Spaniards’ very public pursuit this season.And fans have spotted a major clue that he always dreamed of turning out for Los Blancos on his social media channels.That’s because in his first-ever Instagram post, Alexander-Arnold uploaded a training snap from the Bernabeu with the Liverpool squad from the 2014-15 season.The Merseysiders were visiting Real for a Champions League clash in the group stage and the right-back was included in Brendan Rodgers’ side on a supporting capacity at the age of 16.Read More on FootballThe defender uploaded a photo showing him and then team-mates Rickie Lambert and Raheem Sterling practising on the pitch he may soon call home.Alexander-Arnold included the following caption: “Training at the Bernabeu.”And now some fans insist it was written in the stars as they revisited the pic and stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “It was meant to be.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother commented: “Destined to be a Madridista.”A third wrote: “Born to play for Real Madrid.”Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigarWhat happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So had did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.This fan said: “It was written.”And that one posted: “Feels like fate.”Alexander-Arnold wasn’t involved in that match against Real, who won 1-0 thanks to Karim Benzema’s winner.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit interviewTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD spoke to Liverpool’s in-house club media to explain his decision to leave Anfield.Here are the key parts…I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.Obviously there’s been a lot of noise around what the decision was going to be and how that was going to look. I know a lot of people will say I should have said sooner, a lot of people will say maybe I waited for the right time. But I felt personally the focus should always be on the pitch.I’ve got full confidence in the manager and the staff and the club going forward. It’s not about me thinking we’re not going to fight for titles or fight for trophies season in, season out… it was never about not having confidence in that, it just boiled down to what I felt I needed, and that is a change.Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well. So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset. Obviously that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people. But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is.I fell in love with the club from a very, very young age and that’s something that has grown and grown day in, day out. This club has given me the opportunities to achieve everything beyond my wildest dreams. I can never repay enough of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it for granted at all. I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed everything. I know the news will take a bit of time to set in and people won’t be happy and they’ll be disappointed. At the end of the day, you can be angry and hurt at me but I just hope that the lads, the rest of the team, the staff, everyone else is able to feel how good a season this has been and able to feel the love and support from the fans as they have done all season.There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan I’ll always be a Liverpool fan. More