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      ‘Stadium ban for life’ – Sick moment vile supporter spits at player sees fellow fans demand harsh punishment

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      FANS are calling for a supporter to be banned for spitting at a player during a match.There were unsavoury scenes during Willem II’s Eredivisie defeat to Almere City.A supporter in the Netherlands spat at a player during a matchCredit: ESPNHe gestured towards the Almere ace while firing words in his directionFans threw missiles onto the pitch in protest at a penalty appeal being turned down.One supporter took things even further and committed a disgusting act by spitting at a player.The incident occurred in the 41st minute as Almere star Vasilios Zagaritis ventured to the touchline to collect the ball for a throw-in with his side 1-0 up.A fan walked up to the defender and shouted at him while making a hand gesture.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then spat at Zagaritis as he bent down to pick up the ball, much to the disgust of fans who saw the video of the incident online.One reacted saying: “What an incredibly pathetic figure.”Another added: “I say stadium ban for life!”A third wrote: “Disgusting.”Most read in FootballAnd another commented: “Too gross. Give them a stadium ban right away.”Willem II’s 2-0 loss leaves them just six points above Almere who are second bottom and in the relegation zone.Arsenal fans find video of new sporting director Andrea Berta SLAPPING Man City doctorThe Dutch side are in the relegation play-off spot but they have failed to win in ten games in a run that stretches back to before Christmas. More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold raking in millions off the pitch as Liverpool star’s sports firm posts huge profits

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD scored a huge win off the pitch – banking £8.5million from his sponsorship and image rights deals.The Liverpool defender – who’s almost certain to join Real Madrid this summer – has assets worth £8,577,321 in his sports firm All Star Sports Ltd.Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has banked £8.5m from his sponsorship and image rights dealsCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold is strongly linked with a move away from Liverpool with Real Madrid very interestedCredit: GettyTAA, 26, has £2,417,770 in cash and shrewdly pumped £2,503,550 into “listed investments and bonds”.The England star launched his image rights firm aged just 18.His company’s latest annual accounts show assets increased £1.9m.That is on top of his £180,000-a-week Liverpool pay, boot deal with adidas and Calvin Klein modelling contract.Read More on FootballThis comes amid intense reports suggesting Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real on a five-year contract worth £240,000 per week.It’s reckoned the right-back will pocket an annual salary worth £13m.That breaks down to around £240,000 a week – a tasty rise on his weekly salary at Liverpool.However, the full-back is also set to take home a lucrative signing-on fee as he will be a free agent in June when his contract runs out.Most read in FootballWhile the star can also boost his pay packet with a series of performance-related bonuses.The defender has won every trophy available for his boyhood club and looks set to win his second Premier League title with the Merseysiders.Top 10 highest paid footballersAlexander-Arnold has amassed a total of three goals and seven assists in 39 appearances this season.What 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. 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      Man Utd join transfer race for ‘next Erling Haaland’ wonderkid Adejenughure who ex-Old Trafford boss approves of

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly set their sights on a new wonderkid who has caught the eye of Ralf Rangnick and earned comparisons to Erling Haaland.Oghenetejiri Adejenughure, 18, is in the midst of his first full professional campaign, playing as a striker for second-tier Austrian side FC Liefering, RB Salzburg’s reserve team.Adejenughure has been a fixture in Austrian youth sides and has caught the eye of Ralf RangnickCredit: GettyStill just 18, he is a remarkably well rounded playerCredit: AlamyUnited won’t want to miss out on Adejenughure after declining to sign Haaland before he blew upCredit: InstagramA product of Rapid Wien’s academy, Adejenughure moved to RB Salzburg’s youth setup in 2021 before making his professional debut in August.He has made eighteen appearances this season, scoring twice and assisting once.But his performances have caught the eye of several top clubs, with Man City, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund joining United in the race for his signature according to the Daily Star.Adejenughure has impressed in the Austrian national youth sides, earning the praises of first team head coach and former Man United manager Ralf Rangnick in the process.Read more Man UnitedUnited have already made contact with the player’s camp, first approaching him in June 2024 after he scored four goals in four matches at the European U17 Championships.Adejenughure was a force to be reckoned with at youth level, scoring every 83 minutes for Salzburg’s U18 side in 2023-24. Standing 6ft1in tall, Adejenughure is known for his pace and finishing, earning comparisons to Victor Osimhen.He is well-rounded for his age, also a competent dribbler and aerial threat.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSUnited are hoping to avoid missing out on the player after having turned down the opportunity to sign a young Haaland for just £17m as a teenager.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had recommended him to United when he was playing at Norwegian side Molde.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left inHaaland, who has scored 84 Premier League goals in just 94 appearances since moving to Manchester City in 2022, spent two seasons with Molde before moving to RB Salzburg.Solskjaer had been Haaland’s manager at Molde and saw his clear potential, saying: “It would have been a bargain. It was the cluib’s decision to not go for him then.”Should Adejenughure make the move to United, he would become just the second Austrian player in the club’s history after Marcel Sabitzer spent half a season on loan at Old Trafford in 2023. More

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      FA Cup semi-final draw LIVE: Nottingham Forest to take on Man City or Bournemouth in Wembley thriller

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      THE FA Cup draw for the semi-finals has concluded – and we’ve got some cracking Wembley ties in store!Last season’s runners-up Manchester City are still in the hunt and will take on Nottingham Forest should they navigate past Bournemouth this afternoon.While Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa completes the line-up.13′ Bournemouth vs Man City – latestDrama on the south coast!Tyler Adams is penalised for a handball in the area – it’s clearly accidental but his arm was in an unnatural position so the ref points to the spot.Up steps Erling Haaland… and it’s saved by that man Kepa Arrizabalaga! Big moment. Copy linkCopiedBournemouth vs Man City underwayWe know it is Nottingham Forest awaiting the winners of the fourth and final quarter-final.So Nuno Espirito Santo will no doubt be keeping a close eye on events at the Vitality Stadium.And you can, too, with our Bournemouth vs City live blog.Copy linkCopiedFinals this centuryIt is little surprise that the FA Cups won since the turn of the century are dominated by the biggest clubs in the country – with a few shock surprises mixed in…1999–2000 Chelsea 1–0 Aston Villa2000–01 Liverpool 2–1 Arsenal2001–02 Arsenal 2–0 Chelsea2002–03 Arsenal 1–0 Southampton2003–04 Manchester United 3–0 Millwall 2004–05 Arsenal 0–0 [5-4 on pens] Manchester United2005–06 Liverpool 3–3 [3-1 on pens] West Ham United 2006–07 Chelsea 1–0 AET Manchester United 2007–08 Portsmouth 1–0 Cardiff City 2008–09 Chelsea 2–1 Everton2009–10 Chelsea 1–0 Portsmouth2010–11 Manchester City 1–0 Stoke City2011–12 Chelsea 2–1 Liverpool 2012–13 Wigan Athletic 1–0 Manchester City 2013–14 Arsenal 3–2 AET Hull City 2014–15 Arsenal 4–0 Aston Villa 2015–16 Manchester United 2–1 AET Crystal Palace2016–17 Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea 2017–18 Chelsea 1–0 Manchester United2018–19 Manchester City 6–0 Watford2019–20 Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea 2020–21 Leicester City 1–0 Chelsea 2021–22 Liverpool 0–0 [6-5 on pens] Chelsea 2022–23 Manchester City 2–1 Manchester United2023–24 Manchester United 2–1 Manchester CityCopy linkCopiedNew name on the cup?So, City, Forest and Villa have all won the FA Cup – but never Palace nor Bournemouth. Who have won the most, though?Arsenal: 14Man Utd: 13Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham: 8Man City, Aston Villa: 7Newcastle, Blackburn: 6Everton, West Brom, Wanderers: 5Wolves, Bolton, Sheffield Utd: 4Sheffield Weds, West Ham: 3Preston, Old Etonians, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, Bury: 2Leicester, Oxford Uni, Royal Engineers, Derby, Leeds, Southampton, Burnley, Cardiff, Blackpool, Clapham Rovers, Notts County, Barnsley, Charlton, Old Carthusians, Blackburn Olympic, Bradford, Ipswich, Coventry, Wimbledon, Wigan: 1Copy linkCopiedCity winning machineAs for City, they have reached the semis for the last six seasons – including winning the trophy in 2019 and 2023. They also got to the final-four stage in 2017, 2013 and 2011 – but before that, it was 1981.City have won the FA Cup seven times. Copy linkCopiedForest long waitNottingham Forest are into their first FA Cup semi-final for the first time since 1991 when they went on to reach the final, losing to Tottenham. That was the end of a run of three semi-finals in four seasons, getting knocked out by Liverpool in the final four in 1988 and 1989. Copy linkCopiedVilla ambitionAston Villa got to the final in 2015 when they were stuffed 4-0 by Arsenal. They also lost the 2000 final and reached the semis in 2010.But going further back, they have lifted the iconic trophy five times, including their first appearance in the competition in 1887.Their other successes came in 1895, 1897, 1905 and 1957. Copy linkCopiedPalace into third semi-final in nine yearsAs for the Eagles, they reached the final in 2016, losing to Manchester United in Louis van Gaal’s last game.Then in 2022 they got to the final four but lost 2-0 to Chelsea. Before that, their other final appearance was in the famous 1990 final against United – losing in a replay.They remain without a major trophy in their history.Could that change on May 17?Copy linkCopiedBournemouth hoping to make historyAFC Bournemouth have never, ever reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.They can change that today.By beating Manchester City. The Cherries reached the quarters in 2020-21, losing to Southampton 3-0. Copy linkCopiedOne match to goSo we have had three of the four quarter-finals.The one remaining is Bournemouth vs Manchester City. That gets underway in around 50 minutes’ time on the south coast.Copy linkCopiedWho is the favourite?The cup really is up for grabs this year, more so than any other in recent years. Of course, City are the standout team – but we all know about their nightmare season.So much so that Dion Dublin can’t call it.He says: “I can’t call a favourite from those!”Copy linkCopiedDates for your diaryAs I’m sure anyone supporting one of the remaining five teams left in the competition are well aware, the semi-finals will be played on the weekend of April 26-27. Four weeks away. Copy linkCopiedDraw in fullNottingham Forest vs Bournemouth/Man CityCrystal Palace vs Aston Villa Copy linkCopiedAgainst No2Aston Villa Copy linkCopiedNo1 nextCrystal Palace….Copy linkCopiedForest vs Bournemouth/Man CityForest get No3…That’s Bournemouth or Man CityCopy linkCopiedFirst out…Number 4Nottingham Forest Copy linkCopiedReminder of the numbersJust again to remind you on the numbers:Crystal PalaceAston VillaBournemouth or Man CityNottingham Forest2011 winner Joe Hart is doing the draw in his seat next to Mark Chapman in the Deepdale studio. Copy linkCopiedHere we go, then…Time for the 2024-25 FA Cup semi-final draw.This promises to be a belter.It won’t take long, too…Copy linkCopiedHart pumpingJoe Hart is very pumped in the BBC studio at Deepdale as he prepares to get involved in the draw. “Big moment,” he calls it.He’s not wrong. Who will he potentially pit his former side Man City against should they get past Bournemouth? Copy linkCopiedNumbers to look out forOkay, okay, there aren’t many to remember.But it’s always helpful to know them…Crystal PalaceAston Villa Bournemouth or Man CityNottingham ForestCopy linkCopiedFull-time at PrestonIt’s all over at Preston. Villa have secured a 3-0 win and are into the semis.Unai Emery’s men are off to Wembley…Copy linkCopiedWho else is in the draw?Well, Villa are pretty much home and hosed. They are 3-0 up and cruising into the final four.Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest booked their spots in the draw yesterday.Palace beat Fulham 3-0 away while Forest secured a victory on penalties at Brighton. So it bodes well for Man City – who play Bournemouth away at 4.30pm this afternoon… Copy linkCopiedPreston 0-3 Aston Villa – latestAfter Rashford’s double, Jacob Ramsey made it 3-0 with 20 minutes to go at Deepdale.His solo driving run through the middle was finished off with a shot that went through the goalkeeper. Ollie Watkins could, maybe should, have scored at least one after coming on late on. Copy linkCopiedPreston NE vs Aston Villa update – 0-2 – 69’The vistors’ Premier League quality has shown thanks to a brace from on-loan striker Marcus Rashford, his first goals for the club.Credit: RexCopy linkCopied More

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      Moment Norwich fan proposes to shocked girlfriend on pitch ruined as fans start singing brutal chant at happy couple

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      A NORWICH fan proposed to his stunned girlfriend on the pitch at Carrow Road… and she said yes despite the fans’ cheeky chant.The Canaries hosted West Brom in a crunch Championship clash on Saturday and were about to hold their weekly half-time crossbar challenge.A Norwich fan proposed to his stunned girlfriend at Carrow RoadCredit: News imagesHis stunned girlfriend said yes and the couple earned a glamorous honeymoonCredit: News imagesThe couple enjoyed their moment despite the fans’ hecklingCredit: News imagesA lucky fan stepped up to the plate and was joined by his partner, who was completely unaware of what was to come.The presenter made it clear this wouldn’t be an average half-time show as he handed the microphone to Norwich supporter Jack Garwood .And that was when he popped the question to his ecstatic girlfriend Brandis.Jack said: “Brandis, I know you’re not expecting this but from the very moment I met you I knew you were the one for me. So Brandis, will you marry me?”Read More on FootballA speechless Brandis nodded her head and the presenter declared: “She said yes!”As the happy couple celebrated their engagement, the crowd shockingly started booing this incredible moment.And the away end delivered a brutal chant that went: “You don’t know what you’re doing!”But that didn’t stop the loved up couple from enjoying the start of the new chapter of their life.Most read in ChampionshipAnd the club made things even better by announcing they will be going on honeymoon at Gran Canaria for five nights with all costs covered by sponsors Turismo de Gran Canaria.The couple will surely never forget this moment as Norwich also went on to beat West Brom 1-0 thanks to a last-gasp winner by Josh Sargent.Jack Wilshere’ ‘out of his comfort zone’ in first coaching role since shock Arsenal exit Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side is now 10th in the Championship table with five points separating them from the play-off spots. More

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      When is FA Cup semi-final draw?

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      THE FA Cup is reaching it’s culmination, with a new champion set to be crowned in 2025.Manchester United’s defence of the FA Cup ended at Old Trafford in the round of 16, as they lost at home to Fulham on penalties.The sides are aiming to win the famous FA Cup trophy in MayCredit: GettyManchester City are the final “big six” side in the FA CupCredit: GettyCrystal Palace are into the final four after Eberechi Eze’s masterclass against FulhamCredit: GettyNottingham Forest beat Brighton on penalties to make the final fourCredit: Jon Hobley | MI NewsThe runners-up from 2024 are still in the competition, as Manchester City play away at Bournemouth in the final quarter-final, aiming to book another trip to Wembley in the Pep Guardiola era.Crystal Palace will also make the trip across the capital for a shot at the FA Cup final, with the side beating London rivals Fulham.Nottingham Forest and either Preston or Aston Villa will join them at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final.When is the FA Cup semi-final draw?The FA Cup semi-final draw will take place on Sunday, March 30, following the game between Preston and Aston Villa. The draw will take place at approximately 3:15pm BST. If action at Deepdale Stadium goes to extra-time and penalties, the draw will be postponed until the game is finished.Read more FootballBall numbers for the FA Cup semi-final drawCrystal PalacePreston or Aston VillaBournemouth or Man CityNottingham ForestHow to watch the FA Cup semi-final draw and is there a live stream?The FA Cup semi-final draw will be shown LIVE on BBC One.Action will also be available for stream on the BBC iPlayer.The draw is expected to take place at around 3:15pm BST.The draw start time is subject to change, depending on the length of the FA Cup quarter-final tie between Preston and Aston Villa. More

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      Steve Evans axed by Rotherham after embarrassing home defeat with Millers sliding down League One table

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      ROTHERHAM have sacked manager Steve Evans.The Millers have struggled this campaign following relegation from the Championship and have fired Evans following a 4-0 home defeat to Crawley.Rotherham have sacked manager Steve EvansEvans was appointed in April last year but could not prevent Rotherham from avoiding the drop.He was entrusted with a huge rebuild in South Yorkshire and signed 14 players in the summer.But he could not deliver on expectations to challenge for promotion, and he leaves with Rotherham 16th in League One.Rotherham have won just 12 league games this season and failed to pick up three points in their last four fixtures.Evans, 62, apologised following the mauling against his former side Crawley and accepted his “credit” may have run out.He said post-match: “The fans have watched an abject performance.“The fans don’t want to hear apologies – they want the performance to be right.“I will always protect my players. I think a lot of those players have not got credit in the bank at this football club. Maybe my credit will run out, I don’t know.Most read in EFL“I thought we defended poorly. Our players have played with a really heavy weight on their shoulders.“The facts are they have not played in a Rotherham United fashion for much of the season.’I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle parade“In the games that they have, we have won games comfortably.“We won’t make excuses. I offer my apologies. The performance was limp and way off the minimum standards.”Evans’ second stint at the New York Stadium failed to reproduce the success of his first spell, when he led Rotherham to back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship.Matt Hamshaw has been appointed interim Millers boss until the end of the season as the club searches for a permanent replacement.Former boss Paul Warne has been mooted by fans – the manager was sacked by Derby this season but has been successful at Rotherham in the past, guiding the club to three promotions. More

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      Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta is the transfer guru behind some amazing deals… but also some major flops

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      ARSENAL fans have been crying out for an experienced, ready-made figure to lead the club to major trophies and continental domination.That elite striker still eludes them, but for now, they have the next best thing: a man with a proven record of getting those sorts of players through the door for instant success.Andrea Berta puts pen to paper on a deal of his ownCredit: GettyThomas Lemar ranks among Berta’s less succesful buysCredit: AFP – GettyBerta’s time at Atletico Madrid ended in disappointment as they were knocked out of the Champions League by Man CityCredit: GettyMeet Andrea Berta – the 53-year-old Italian businessman turned transfer guru who has been tasked with just that in his new role of sporting director at the Emirates.He has big shoes to fill. His predecessor Edu worked tirelessly with manager Mikel Arteta to transform the Gunners into Prem title challengers through astute recruitment during his two-year spell in the role, having initially arrived as technical director in July 2019.The next step is clear: to build on that progress and deliver the Holy Grail of English football back to North London, ending their 21-year wait for a league title.And in Berta, Arsenal have – on paper – the ideal man for the job.READ MORE ARSENALHis 12-year affiliation with Atletico Madrid alongside Diego Simeone was littered with overachievement and success on and off the pitch, his dealings in the transfer market the envy of the European heavyweights, developing a reputation as one of the most football-savy operators on the continent before being appointed sporting director in 2017.In the eight years that followed, Atletico won La Liga in 2021, as well as the Europa League and Uefa Super Cup in 2018, having also reached two Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016.Arsenal announce Andrea Berta appointmentARSENAL unveiled Andrea Berta as their new sporting director with the Italian vowing to “shape a successful future with a great team” at the Gunners.Berta, 53, replaces former sporting director Edu following his resignation last November, with the Brazilian set to take up a new role in Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club model.Ahead of a crucial summer for Mikel Arteta’s men, Berta is now tasked with bringing an elite No.9 to the Emirates, as well as negotiating contract renewals for key stars as Arsenal bid to win a first Prem title since 2004.And Berta – who left a similar post at Atletico Madrid in January – said: “I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club.“I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into reestablishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team.“I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters.”Co-owner Josh Kroenke added: “Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams.“Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.“We undertook a thorough recruitment process and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out.“We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family.”During that time, Simeone would often hail Berta as one of his most trusted and influential advisors, inviting him on occasion into the dressing room for big games.Following three weeks of talks, it was also Berta that convinced Simeone not to leave the club in 2016 after a gut-wrenching Champions League final defeat on penalties to rivals Real Madrid, urging the Argentine to rebuild and go again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBerta has been around the block to develop that sort of aura, starting in the financial sector for one of Italy’s largest banks, balancing his day job with a passion for football.His eye for assembling talented squads was honed at numerous amateur clubs in Brescia before being taken under the wing of Tommaso Ghirardi as a sporting director at fourth-tier side Carpenedolo in his mid-twenties, with further experiences in the same role at Parma and Genoa.Sol Campbell reveals he’d have never have made controversial transfer to Arsenal if it wasn’t for Lord Sugar By the time he met Atletico CEO Angel Gil Marin through mutual contact and super agent Jorge Mendes in 2013, Berta’s knowledge and success in the Italian market was attracting attention – enough for Marin to offer him a role as an international scout a year later.It is no wonder he was also recently linked to the likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and AC Milan.Berta’s departure from Atletico in January can be linked to the club’s desire to modernise and revamp their recruitment process and overall board structure.Power and authority was something Berta had become accustomed to at Atletico, often a leading voice on recruitment and player sales over informal dinner dates with Marin and Simeone at local restaurants, taking a hands-on approach in certain complex, big-money deals thanks to his relationships with key agents.That is not to say Berta is not a team player. He would take a step back when needed, willing to work closely and take the lead from Simeone, Marin and managing director Carlos Bucero, hesitant to act as a lone wolf like famed sporting director Monchi at Sevilla and now Aston Villa.This will be key for Arteta, wanting Berta to seamlessly slip into a leadership group that includes managing director Richard Garlick, executive vice-chair Tim Lewis, co-owners Stan and Josh Kroenke, director of football operations James King and current interim sporting director Jason Ayto.Berta attracted some huge names to MadridCredit: GettyBerta is not one for the limelight, very rarely speaking in public or taking credit for successes on and off the pitch, preferring to let his work do the talking behind closed doors.His fingerprints were all over the impressive deals for Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak in 2014, Kieran Trippier in 2019 and Julian Alvarez and Conor Gallagher last summer, as well as profitable sales of the likes of Rodri to Manchester City and Thomas Partey to Arsenal.There have been some failures. The £113m paid for Joao Felix in 2019 and the £60m for Thomas Lemar in 2018. But ultimately, Berta seems to get more right than wrong.He is renowned for his calm, measured, analytical approach under pressure. It is why it was a shock to see him entangled in a pitchside scuffle with Man City doctor Max Sala after a feisty Champions League quarter final tie in April 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe full scope of Berta’s role remains unknown. Edu was also granted authority of the Arsenal women’s team, as well as integrating academy stars to the first team.For now, Berta has the unenviable task of landing an elite No.9 this summer, raising funds through sales and extending the contracts of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and William Saliba. More