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    Coventry condemn racist abuse of Fankaty Dabo as they release him just days after play-off penalty shootout miss

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    COVENTRY have condemned racist abuse aimed at Fankaty Dabo following his play-off penalty miss.That’s after confirming the defender’s exit when his contract expires this summer.
    Coventry have slammed racist abuse aimed at Fankaty Dabo after his play-off penalty missCredit: Rex
    Coventry have also confirmed Dabo will leave when his contract expires this summerCredit: Rex
    Dabo, 27, missed Coventry’s sixth penalty in their dramatic shootout defeat to Luton at Wembley, leaving them stranded in the Championship for another season.
    The former Chelsea academy star was devastated as he blazed his effort over the crossbar.
    And Coventry have now hit out at sick trolls who sent disgusting racist abuse to Dabo in the wake of his miss, vowing to give the fan favourite their full support despite his impending exit.
    A statement read: “Coventry City is sickened and saddened following the racist messages sent to Fankaty Dabo on social media following Saturday’s Play-Off final.
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    “The messages sent by some individuals to Fanktay are abhorrent. We are clear that there is no place for racism in our society and that the Club and our partners will provide all of the support to Fanky that he needs.
    “The Club will work with the PFA, EFL and the Police regarding this matter, and will seek to ban and prosecute any person found to have sent racist messages.
    “Many Sky Blues supporters sent supportive messages to Fanky following the game and we thank them for doing so.”
    Owner and Executive Chairman Doug King added: “The messages sent to Fankaty were disgusting and there is no place for any person who sent such vile abuse at any of our games, and social media is not a hiding place to make these comments.
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    “The Club and our partners will support Fankaty, and we will not hesitate in taking action against those people found to have done this.
    “Coventry is a tolerant and multi-cultural city that we are proud to represent, and there is no place for any form of racism or discrimination in person or on social media.”
    Meanwhile, Coventry also confirmed that Dabo is one of seven first-teamers who will leave this summer when their contracts expire.
    Julien Dacosta, Todd Kane, Sean Maguire, Michael Rose, Martyn Waghorn and Tyler Walker are also leaving.
    Loanees Jonathan Panzo, Callum Doyle, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Luke McNally are also going.
    But captain Liam Kelly has been offered a new one-year contract to prevent his departure on a free transfer. More

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      I’m a Man Utd star – I’m usually extremely disciplined but I’ve got a secret guilty pleasure

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      ENGLAND and Manchester United player Katie Zelem has revealed the one guilty pleasure that helps take the edge off her gruelling training regime. The Oldham born midfielder who made the move from Juventus to Manchester United puts in around six training sessions a week running up to 40km.
      Katie told Metro that she enjoyed nights out with friendsCredit: Instagram
      Katie Zelem revealed there was one particular sweet treat that she looked forward toCredit: Getty
      The midfielder sticks to a healthy and clean diet during the weekCredit: Getty
      Zelem, who tops up the running with two weights sessions each week, winds down with stretching, yoga and swimming.
      But the highly rated player told the Metro that there was one particular sweet treat that she dreamed of during those gruelling sessions.
      She said: “If we have a Sunday afternoon kick off, when I get home, I’ll order myself an Oreo milkshake.”
      Zelem revealed that the Oreo shake was a rare diversion from a ultra clean diet during the week.
      She said that United normally provided breakfast and lunch on training days, which was typically poached eggs, chicken sausages, beans and spinach.
      For dinner the pro-player relied on the Green Chef meal delivery service.
      She said: “My favourite is the honey glazed sesame halloumi flat breads, I’ve had them before and they’re unreal.
      “I’ve got them on next week’s order so I can’t wait for that one.”
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      Zelem also revealed that there was one post-training ritual that she dreaded.
      She said: “I absolutely hate ice baths. Some of the girls are really good at getting in – there’s this whole submersion thing, where people go in right up to their necks
      “That’s not taken off for me yet.”
      The Man United star was also wary of social media , which she described as a ‘scary place.’
      She said : “There’s a lot of people who don’t have to put their name or face to what they’re saying, and they often say things on social media they would never say to you in real life.
      “I think it’s important to take it with a pinch of salt. I have my notifications turned off.
      “I think if you get too bogged down in other people’s opinions and what they think of you, then you can never focus on yourself.”
      The all action player, who began her career with the Red Devils Centre of Excellence aged eight, was now hoping to be included in the England squad for the Euros.
      She said: “I’m hoping to be selected.
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      “I feel like I’ve done everything I can, so it’s down to the manager to pick the team.”
      The popular player is wary of social mediaCredit: Instagram
      Katie subjects herself to a punishing training regime during the weekCredit: Instagram More

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      Former Premier League cult hero became DJ and Paris Fashion Week model after retiring from football

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      DIJIBRIL CISSE became a Paris Fashion Week model and DJ after retiring from football in 2017.The former Liverpool man called time on his career at the age of 35 to focus on becoming a DJ.
      Cisse has been focusing on a career as a DJ since retiring from football in 2017Credit: Instagram @rinsefrance
      Cisse has pursued his love of music since retiringCredit: Instagram @djibrilcisse1981
      Cisse modelled for Jean-Paul Galtier at the Paris Fashion Week in 2020Credit: AFP
      The ex France international’s DJ career appears to be going from strength and strength.
      He regularly shares pictures of him behind the decks to his two million Instagram followers.
      Its not just DJing that Cisse has been pursuing since his retirement with the former Premier League ace also trying his hand at modelling.
      The 41-year-old has always had a love for fashion regularly endorsing some of the world’s biggest designers and has his own clothing brand called Mr Lenoir.
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      He is no stranger to modelling having appeared as a ‘gourmet model’ at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris in 2018.
      Cisse appeared at the event wearing chocolate which was raising money for the Association Mecenat Cardiac Surgery.
      In 2020 he modelled at Paris Fashion Week taking to the runway in a Gaultier suit in the final show of famous designer Jean-Paul Gaultier.
      He sported a suave blue Gaultier suit and blazer combination as he strutted his stuff down the catwalk.
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      The former striker excited the crowd as he removed the blazer to show off his heavily tattooed torso.
      Cisse was followed on the catwalk by some of the biggest names in modelling which included Gigi and Bella Hadid and Karlie Kloss.
      He also modelled for Lidl’s clothing range in 2022.
      He is best known by English football fans for his spells in the Premier League with Sunderland, QPR and Liverpool.
      He bagged 32 Premier League goals during his time in England and was part of the Liverpool side that won the Champions League in 2005.
      Cisse played for 11 different clubs over the course of his career and won 41 caps for France scoring on nine occasions.
      Cisse wore an outfit made out of chocolateCredit: Reuters
      Cisse scored 24 goals for LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The 41 year old also had spells at Sunderland and QPR in the Premier LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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      Fulham working on £2m transfer for 17-year-old wonderkid who graduated from Gheorghe Hagi Academy

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      FULHAM are working on a £2m deal for Romanian teenage sensation Andrei Borza.The 17-year-old left-back currently plays in his native country’s top division for Farul Constanta, who won their first SuperLiga title this season.
      Andrei Borza is wanted by FulhamCredit: Getty
      Borza – an Under-20 international – scored three goals with as many assists during an historic campaign for the club.
      SunSport understands that the Cottagers have had scouts monitoring the defender, and feel now is the time to bring him to West London to further develop his potential.
      Borza signed his first professional contract with Farul last summer, expiring in June 2026.
      Fulham’s main concern in sealing the deal is interest from Dutch giants PSV, who are also preparing a move for him.
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      Borza is a product of the Gheorghe Hagi Academy, named after Farul’s current owner – the legendary Romanian midfielder who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona.
      Fulham need new recruits with loanees Layvin Kurzawa and Cedric Soares returning to PSG and Arsenal respectively this summer.
      It means they have just one recognised left-back in Antonee Robinson.
      However, it is believed Borza would be loaned out next season with a view to getting him more first-team experience in one of Europe’s top five divisions.
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      It could be a busy summer for Marco Silva’s side with them linked with Manchester United midfielder Fred.
      Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed that West Ham are interested in Joao Palhinha.
      Gheorghe Hagi is manager and owner of Farul ConstantaCredit: Getty More

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      Star Man machine Bruno Fernandes set to edge out Kevin De Bruyne at midfield summit

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      NO matter what happens in the remaining fixtures, Bruno Fernandes (£7.2m) will finish this season as the Dream Team asset with more Star Man awards than anyone else.Manchester United’s midfield maestro topped the match ratings against Chelsea in Game Week 35 and did the same thing at home to Fulham on Sunday.
      Game Week 36’s Star Man gong was his 12th of the season, a tally that puts him in a bracket all of his own.
      His closest competitors, Kevin De Bruyne (£8.6m) and Erling Haaland (£10.1m), have nine each at this late stage with just two fixtures remaining.
      A Dream Team juggernaut
      The nature of the system means each of the Manchester City superstars have missed out on Star Man awards to the other in games in which they have both been brilliant.
      Although, that’s the same for every player in the game to some extent and Fernandes certainly lost out on a couple to Marcus Rashford (£7.4m) during the England international’s red-hot streak.
      However you look at it, a dozen Star Man awards is a remarkable effort.
      Similarly, Fernandes has earned more 7+ ratings than any other player this season, 44, nine more than second-placed Rashford.
      It’s the Portuguese playmaker’s mastery of WhoScored’s ratings that means he’s likely to edge out the aforementioned De Bruyne to finish the campaign as Dream Team’s top midfielder.
      275 Dream Team points and counting
      A 13-point haul at the Cottagers’ expense meant Fernandes boosted his overall total to 275, 30 ahead of his Belgian counterpart, who didn’t feature for Pep Guardiola’s side at Brentford.
      Most read in Football
      De Bruyne is capable of making up the difference in the FA Cup final and Champions League final but given that he averages 5.3 points-per-game this season, the crown seems bound for Fernandes’ head.
      The Old Trafford favourite has 13 goals and 15 assists to his name in all competitions in 2022/23 with the FA Cup showdown at Wembley still to play.
      Dream Team managers who transferred Fernandes into their XI just after the World Cup (or held him throughout) were greatly rewarded and many gaffers will already have categorised as a ‘must-have player’ ahead of next season’s game.
      Cue back-to-back De Bruyne masterclasses… More

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      Agent Jorge Mendes breaks silence over Cristiano Ronaldo split and says ‘he’ll always be in my heart’

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      SUPER-AGENT Jorge Mendes insists Cristiano Ronaldo will “always be in my heart” despite their recent split.The Portuguese legend, 38, was represented by Mendes for most of his legendary career.
      Jorge Mendes represented Cristiano Ronaldo for most of the star’s careerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The super-agent and legendary forward parted ways earlier this yearCredit: Reuters
      However, their relationship became strained last summer after he failed to get Ronaldo a switch to either Bayern Munich or Chelsea as he tried to secure his exit from Manchester United.
      A transfer to the Bundesliga giants or Premier League outfit never materialised.
      And instead Ronaldo ended up joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in January after an explosive fall-out with United following an interview with Piers Morgan.
      That decision to appear on Piers Morgan Uncensored was not supported by Mendes.
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      It led to an official parting of the ways soon after Ronaldo had negotiated his own deal to head to the Middle East.
      But there does not appear to be any ill-feeling towards the forward from Mendes as he broke his silence on the split.
      He said: “How do I see this phase of his life? Cristiano will always be in my heart. He is a special player and a special person for me. If I, a few years ago, thought that I could have a player with half the value of Cristiano, I would sign for less!
      “And all of us Portuguese should be proud to have had and still have a player like him. I’ve always said it and I’ll say it all my life: he was and is the best player in the entire history of world football! I don’t have the slightest doubt, even compared to others.”
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      Mendes added: “You have to see what he managed to do. Football is goals! There’s a lot of strength there and a lot of work too.
      “He’s an example for young people and he’s done everything a great professional would have to do… because he’s the best of them all! But it is also true that he was a virtuous player when he was young: you were talking about Ronaldinho Gaucho and Messi, but when he was young, Cristiano was also virtuous!
      “And strong in the ‘one on one’, and explosive! Cristiano has turned into a machine! Many people never really thought about that growth process that led him, in fact, to be the best in history. And for me, he will always be the best in history.”
      Ronaldo’s first season at Al-Nassr has ended in major disappointment after they were pipped to the title last week to end the season trophyless. More

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      Which ex-footballers are playing at Soccer Aid 2023?

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      SOCCER AID 2023 is just around the corner and there will be many familiar faces in action.Celebrities and former professional footballers will take to the turf at Old Trafford as England take on World XI.
      World XI were victorious at Soccer Aid 2022Credit: GETTY
      England have lost the last FOUR Soccer Aids, with three defeats coming on penalties.
      A management team led by rapper Stormzy have been tasked to end the Three Lions’ torrid run of form.
      In the opposing dugout will be new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.
      Which ex-footballers are playing at Soccer Aid 2023?
      There are a number of former professionals from both the women’s and men’s game that are taking in Soccer Aid this year.
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      Here are all of the confirmed ex-footballers involved so far:
      England’s ex-pros:

      Jill Scott
      Jermain Defoe
      Gary Cahill
      Jack Wilshere
      Gary Neville
      Paul Scholes
      Eni Aluko
      Karen Carney
      David James
      Nicky Butt

      World XI’s ex-pros:
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      Ben Foster
      Roberto Carlos
      Nani
      Francesco Totti
      Gabriel Batistuta
      Kaylyn Kyle
      Heather O’Reilly

      What are the full Soccer Aid line-ups?
      Here are the full Soccer Aid line-ups so far:
      The England line-up: Stormzy, Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, Vicky McClure, David Seaman are all part of the England Management Team.
      Jill Scott (Captain), David James (Professional GK), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity GK), Gary Neville, Gary Cahill, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Jack Wilshere, Jermain Defoe, Eni Aluko, Karen Carney, Scarlette Douglas, Alex Brooker, Chunkz, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Bugzy Malone, Joel Corry and Liam Payne.
      The Soccer Aid World XI line-up: Mauricio Pochettino, Martin Compston and Robbie Keane are part of the World XI Management Team.
      Usain Bolt (Captain), Ben Foster (Professional Goalkeeper), Patrice Evra, Nani, Maisie Adam, Kaylyn Kyle, Heather O’Reilly, Mo Gilligan, Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, Kem Cetinay, Noah Beck and Tommy Fury.
      When is Soccer Aid 2023?

      Soccer Aid 2023 is taking place on Sunday, June 11.
      It will kick-off at 7.30pm.
      74,000 fans are expected to attend at Old Trafford.
      The match will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and streamed on ITVX. More

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      You’re a genius if you can spot the hidden sport in Benfica’s badge which has nothing to do with football

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      PORTUGUESE giants Benfica have been around for over a century but have you ever noticed the hidden meaning behind their club badge?Benfica are one of the big three teams in Portugal alongside Porto and Sporting Lisbon and have never been relegated.
      Benfica have had their current crest since 1908
      They are nicknamed The Eagles because of the symbol which sits at the top of the club’s crest.
      Benfica were originally known as Sport Lisboa and played their first match in 1905.
      In 1908 they acquired Grupo Sport Benfica and changed their name to Sport Lisboa e Benfica as a result of the merger.
      This is when they added something to their crest which has nothing to do with football.
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      In the background of the crest is a bike wheel which was added because cycling represented the most important sport of Grupo Sport Benfica.
      The wheel has remained part of the Benfica crest ever since.
      Benfica are the most successful club in Portugal having won a total of 85 trophies in their history.
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      They were the first Portuguese club to achieve the domestic treble in 2014 and have won the Portuguese league a record 38 times.
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      The Eagles wrapped up their first Portuguese title in four years last weekend with a 3-0 win over Santa Clara.
      Roger Schmidt’s men only suffered four defeats in all competitions with three of those coming in April. More

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      Maria Guardiola goes viral for lip-licking reaction to Man City star getting pic with dad Pep during title celebrations

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      PEP Guardiola’s daughte Maria has gone viral after licking her lips while her dad posed for pics with City and Argentina star Julian Alvarez.Alvarez, 23, has already had a stunning season on the field and could be set to complete a historic individual quadruple.
      Maria Guardiola, with the sunglasses on her t-shirt, eyes Alvarez during the title celebrationsCredit: Sky Sports via YouTube
      Maria Guardiola appeared to be staring at the Man City starCredit: Sky Sports via YouTube
      The Alvarez family pose with Pep GuardiolaCredit: Sky Sports via YouTube
      Having already won the World Cup and Premier League, if City can get past rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup Final and Inter in the Champions League, he will complete a clean sweep of the highest honours in football.
      But Maria’s reaction to the Argentine star has got fans talking about his dating life away from the field.
      Maria, 22, appeared to lick her lips as Alvarez walked past her to pose for a picture with her father, Pep.
      The Barcelona-born model went viral for dating former-Tottenham star Dele Alli in 2021.
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      Alli, 27, has since gone on to date model and influencer Cindy Kimberly, who boasts a whopping seven million followers on her Instagram.
      Despite fans in Argentina speculating that the viral video might indicate a similar romance developing between Guardiola and Alvarez, the forward attended City’s title celebrations with his family and girlfriend.
      Alvarez has been dating PE teacher girlfriend Emilia Ferrero publicly since his move to City, although it is believed they first met when they briefly dated five years ago.
      The couple originate from the same village of Calchin in Cordoba, Argentina.
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      Emilia boasts 497k followers on her Instagram, and often posts photos of her with Alvarez to celebrate his success.
      She said in one post: “I will follow you wherever you ask me to. I will cheer you for the rest of my life.”
      After Alvarez and Argentina won the World Cup, she said: “ARGENTINA IS ALREADY CHAMPION!!!!
      “Proud of you, I love you.”
      And in a pic from City’s title celebrations she reaffirmed her love for the City ace, saying: “Congratulations champ. I love you.”
      The caption was accompanied by a sky blue heart emoji.
      Maria Guardiola poses for her 556k Instagram followers in LondonCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
      Maria Guardiola poses in New YorkCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
      Julian Alvarez and girlfriend Emilia Ferrero pose with the Premier League trophyCredit: Getty
      Julian Alvarez celebrates winning the World Cup with girlfriend Emilia Ferrero and familyCredit: Getty More