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      New Chelsea signing Geovany Quenda dropped huge hint he would choose Stamford Bridge over Man Utd move with cheeky cele

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      GEOVANY Quenda dropped a huge hint he would snub Manchester United for Chelsea. Ruben Amorim’s reported target Quenda, 17, hit Cole Palmer’s ‘cold’ celebration months before his Blues deal went public. New Chelsea signing Geovany Quenda did Cole Palmer’s ‘cold’ celebration in JanuaryAmorim handed Sporting’s Quenda his Portuguese top-flight debut in August 2024 during his time at Sporting, starting in a 3-1 win over Rio Ave. The right wing-back made a great first impression and he quickly became a key player for Sporting.He had been expected to join Man Utd, given his links to Amorim and the fact he’d be considered a perfect fit on the right of his old boss’ preferred 3-4-3 formation.But Quenda’s move to Stamford Bridge went under the radar.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, the teenager – who earned a Portugal call-up this week – arguably showed early signs that favoured a move to Chelsea.He hit Palmer’s famous ‘ice cold’ celebration after scoring his penalty in Sporting’s penalty shootout defeat to Benfica in the Portuguese League Cup.When Quenda beat Anatoliy Trubin from 12-yards, he paid tribute to Palmer by rubbing his hands over his arms to mimic shivering.Palmer first did it last December during Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Luton Town.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSChelsea have been working on this move for two to three months and believe they have beaten Man Utd to his signature.The Blues agreed a fee of £42million for Quenda, and he will join the Portuguese club in the summer in a seven-year deal.Why Gakpo v Isak will decide Liverpool v Newcastle Carabao Cup Final | Experts’ bets – Weekend WagerChelsea’s willingness to let Quenda stay at Sporting for 2025-26 played a role in them securing the transfer ahead of their rivals, who both wanted him to join this summer.But the Manchester Evening News has since debunked the theories that he chose West London over Old Trafford.The Red Devils never submitted a bid for Quenda before Chelsea agreed to sign the winger.Desire Doue also mimicked Palmer’s celebration when Paris Saint-Germain knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League this week. More

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      ‘I’m not stupid’ – Bruno Fernandes reveals the reason he stayed at Man Utd in summer and snubbed offer to leave

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has revealed the main reason he stayed at Manchester United after admitting he had an offer to leave.Club captain Fernandes, who netted a hat-trick in midweek against Real Sociedad in a 4-1 win, signed a contract extension with the Red Devils last summer that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2027.Bruno Fernandes has revealed the reason he stayed at Man Utd after rejecting an offer to leaveCredit: GettyFernandes revealed he ultimately believed the club could be successfulCredit: GettyFernandes has won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Red Devils so farCredit: RexThe midfielder recently revealed he had an offer on the table to leave if he wanted.But Fernandes said he chose to stay because he believes the club can be successful – and want him to be a major part of that success.He said: “I sat with the club because I had an offer to leave and we talked about the possibility of me leaving the club or staying. “They said what they wanted from me. I just asked if they saw me as part of the future of the club or not. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I spoke at the time with (Erik) Ten Hag also. He was very clear and the club were very clear with me, that they thought I would be a big part of this rebuild. “I heard what they had to tell me. I thought that we could be successful.”Fernandes’ recent heroics saw manager Ruben Amorim declare him a “perfect captain” and insist: “We need to help him win titles because he deserves this.”However, the 30-year-old dismissed the idea, saying he only deserved the same as what his team-mates get.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe said: “No, I deserve the same as my team-mates. I’m in the same boat as them. If I haven’t given everything to the club yet, or more to the club – it’s because I don’t deserve it and that’s it.”It doesn’t matter how much you do – how much you score, how much you assist – that doesn’t change anything. It’s about the team, it’s about the club to succeed. Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up'”Obviously, I want to win trophies. I’m not stupid. I want to be in the biggest competitions, I want to fight for the big trophies. “That’s what I said to the club. That’s what the club said to me that they want to do. “Then it’s about the players going on the pitch and the club to do the investments to bring players, take players or whatever they want to do. “It’s not my part to say who’s good to come – that has to be the manager and the board. They have to decide. I just want to do everything I can to help the club succeed.”Fernandes was the only player to emerge with a glowing review from club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe following a series of interviews on Monday, in which he labelled some of the squad “overpaid” and “not good enough”.Man Utd are desperately struggling in the Premier League this season, sitting in 14th place and 13 points off the top five – the likely Champions League spots for next season.The lack of European football and the revenue it provides next season could be a huge blow to Man Utd’s financial goals to balance the books – which are in a bad state after seven years of making a loss.Fernandes has netted 15 goals and added 13 assists so far this season, while only the injured Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho have hit double figures for goal contributions so far this season.So far Fernandes has the FA Cup and League Cup to his trophy accolades in a Man Utd shirt.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut his performances will prove vital in whether Man Utd can pick up silverware in the Europa League, which is the last trophy the club can win this season.They face Lyon in the quarter-finals, but before that they take on Leicester in the Premier League tomorrow evening after the Carabao Cup final.Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More

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      ‘Whole Premier League card’ – Zlatan targeted for sensational Misfits Boxing bout with ‘so many’ footballers lined up

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      ZLATAN Ibrahimovic is being lined up for a sensational boxing bout by Misfits Boxing – with the promoters claiming they could put on a “whole Premier League card”.YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI founded the celebrity-style platform crossover bouts alongside his manager Mams Taylor. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is lined up for a shock boxing fightCredit: Instagram @iamzlatanibrahimovicWayne Bridge could also fight on a cardCredit: GettyDanny Simpson was the first ex-Prem star to fight on MisfitsCredit: GettyEx-Prem winner Danny Simpson, 38, was the first footballer to make the switch to the ring, drawing with YouTuber Danny Aarons, 22, in August. His former team-mate Phil Bardsley, 39, is now in talks with Misfits while Wayne Bridge was on the verge of fighting KSI himself. And promoter Taylor revealed retired superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic – a black belt in taekwondo – is his dream name to join the roster. He told SunSport: “I’ve got so many footballers – that I’m not gonna name – but I’ve got so many footballers that want to do this.READ MORE IN football “I could do a whole Premier League card at this point, which I think could be quite fun. “But we’ll see, there’s a lot of footballers and international footballers as well. So let’s see, but I’m still chipping away at Zlatan, I want Zlatan.”I’m determined to get him in that ring.”Taylor is a friend of 43-year-old Ibrahimovic’s agent and has been trying to convince the AC Milan legend to do a boxing debut.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBridge, 44, was set to fight KSI, 31, on short notice on March 29 in Manchester as Misfits scrambled for a late-notice opponent. But the ex-Chelsea defender pulled out after KSI referenced his infamous feud with John Terry. KSI’s team reveal new term for Jake Paul grudge fight to finally make £250million bout happenTerry allegedly had an affair with Bridge’s former partner Vanessa Perroncel in 2009 – something both had always denied. And KSI said when facing off with Bridge: “Aren’t you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?” Bridge – who shares an 18-year-old son with Vanessa – withdrew from the fight just days later. But Taylor hopes the retired left-back – who has boxed in two charity bouts before – will still lace up the Misfits gloves. He said: “We all like the sensationalism of a beef, we all like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe he said that’ to a degree.”But I don’t want anyone walking away and feeling like, ‘Oh man, this gave me a horrible feeling or it affected me psychologically in a negative way or or it hurt my family’.”So I don’t want anyone to feel that way. I want them to have a positive experience from it, so I hope he can put that incident behind him and maybe I’ll match make him with someone who’s not got as much of a gift of the gab.”And they have similar vulnerability where they agree to go in respectfully. I’m still chipping away at Zlatan, I want Zlatan! I’m determined to get him in that ring.Misfits Boxing co-founder Mams Taylor “But I’d love to see him in the ring and what I’d really like is to have him in the ring to show the fans who were naysayers, that he can actually fight.”KSI will now fight Dillon Danis, 31, who is 2-0 in MMA and lost his boxing debut to Logan Paul, 29, in October 2023. And he apologised to Bridge in private for his controversial remark. Taylor said: “I know JJ the next day felt bad and he’s like, ‘Do you think I should DM him?’ “And I said, yeah, just say what’s in your heart and he goes, ‘Yeah, I’m obviously just trying to promote this and I thought he knows the landscape of Misfits and how it can go left with, with things like that.'”I think he realised maybe he went a step too far. He acknowledged that he went too far and he didn’t do it publicly to make it a PR thing. “He personally wanted to actually DM him and just say, ‘Hey man, I’m sorry, door’s open if I can make it up, if there’s anything we can do. I didn’t want to upset you. I just wanted to promote the fight.'”I think Wayne Bridge has spoken about that somewhere, I’m not sure, but I think he acknowledged it and I think we move on.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Look, Wayne Bridge is a man’s man at the same time, I get it would have put strain on his family, but I think he’s a proper man and he’s moved on.”I’d like to see him in a Misfits ring and make sure he’s looked after and has a good experience on his next fight.”KSI facing off with Wayne BridgeCredit: misfits boxing More

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      Virgil van Dijk breaks silence after Wayne Rooney called Liverpool star ‘lazy’ in shock Champions League defeat to PSG

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK has hit back at Wayne Rooney and insists the Liverpool dressing room doesn’t listen to outside noise.It comes after Rooney labelled Van Dijk’s movements in the lead up to PSG’s goal in their Champions League defeat on Tuesday “lazy”.Virgil van Dijk has broken his silence after Wayne Rooney called Liverpool star ‘lazy’Rooney called out Van Dijk for failing to track Ousmane Dembele’s run for PSG’s goal at AnfieldDembele celebrates scoring on TuesdayCredit: GettyLiverpool were beaten 4-1 on penalties by the reigning French champions at Anfield to exit Europe at the last-16 stage.Arne Slot’s side had held a 1-0 lead from the first leg, but PSG levelled the tie in the 12th minute of the second leg through Ousmane Dembele.Dembele scored from close range following a rapid PSG attack, with the forward having initially found Bradley Barcola on the right wing.Barcola’s cross led to confusion between Alisson and Ibrahima Konate and the Liverpool defender deflected the ball into Dembele’s path to finish.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite the mix-up between Alisson and Konate, former Manchester United star Rooney called Van Dijk “lazy” in tracking Dembele’s initial run from the half-way line.Van Dijk has since said his focus on trophies and not on Rooney.The Dutchman responded: “Someone told me about this. I think at that particular moment I’m helping [Andy] Robertson, telling him to clear the outside, I take the inside.”I’m even explaining now what I thought at that moment but if he thought it was lazy then he gave his opinion, that’s it. Did you think it was lazy?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think I said it to someone as well, there were so many challenges for those players years ago and obviously it’s a challenge for the players nowadays that you have to deal with opinions here and there and it gets blown up all the time.”But looking at what I see in the dressing room, I think the boys are doing well in terms of keeping their heads down and focusing on the task ahead. That’s the most important thing I want to see.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training “If we get the reward for it at the end of the season then I’m sure Liverpool is going to be bouncing.”The Liverpool skipper also cleared up his row with PSG chiefs in the corridor at Anfield after full-time.Rooney had told Amazon Prime: “This goal from Liverpool’s perspective is wrong in so many ways.”They are trying to press the ball and Van Dijk gets lazy. “If you keep your eye on Van Dijk, he’s walking and leaves a massive gap to Dembele.”All he has to do is come across and cover Dembele because there is no other pass for Paris to get out and he doesn’t.”Dembele gets it and he’s got a lot of space, gets the ball out wide and then Konate doesn’t switch on and then he reacts.”Van Dijk is out of contract in the summer and fans could well be witnessing the end of his Anfield career.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe latest reports claimed the 33-year-old is mulling over a mega-money approach from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.Liverpool are focusing on the business end of the season, including Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley.Van Dijk’s stats in the Champions League this season More

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      Reason Man Utd did not sign Geovany Quenda ‘revealed’ as Sporting star agrees shock £42m Chelsea transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly never submitted a bid for Geovany Quenda before Chelsea agreed to sign the winger from Sporting Lisbon.Chelsea agreed a fee of £42million for Quenda, 17, and he will join the Portuguese club in the summer in a seven-year deal.Reported Man Utd target Geovany Quenda joined Chelsea last weekThe 17-year-old sensation is a former protege of Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.But after biding his time, Chelsea stepped in with what reports called a “secret blitz” to land the right winger, who can also play wing-back.Quenda underwent a medical in private and agreed to join after being impressed by Enzo Maresca’s vision for the West London giants.But the Manchester Evening News has since debunked the theories that he snubbed United for Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited reportedly met with the influential agent Jorge Mendes in November as his agency was tasked with negotiating on Quenda’s behalf.But United’s interest didn’t extend beyond informal discussions.A source familiar with the talks said United’s preference was to wait to sign Quenda.And the mid-season addition of Patrick Dorgu, a fellow left-footed wide player, impacted the Red Devils’ interest.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSQuenda has been called up to the Portugal squad again for their Nations League double-header against Denmark this month.But Chelsea fans will have to wait over a year to see their new man in action.Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Quenda, who turns 18 next month, will stay at Sporting for the entirety of the 2025-26 season before linking up with his new Stamford Bridge pals in July 2026.The left-footer has played 35 times for Sporting already this season, including huge Champions League games, scoring just once.He had been expected to join Man Utd, given his links to Amorim and the fact he’d be considered a perfect fit on the right of his old boss’ preferred 3-4-3 formation.But instead, he will join fellow wonderkids Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez – who join this summer – in West London.Quenda joined Sporting in 2019, aged just 13, with Amorim coming aboard a year later. More

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      Major update on former Bournemouth star & son of ex-Spurs ace, 30, left fighting for life after horror car crash

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      A MAJOR health update has been released after a former Bournemouth star was left fighting for his life in a horror crash.Jordan Chiedozie, son of ex-Tottenham winger John, was placed in a coma after being hit by a car while waiting at the side of the M27 with a flat tyre.Jordan Chiedozie suffered ‘potentially life-threatening’ injuries in the crashCredit: PA:Press AssociationChiedozie, pictured with Braintree, has played for a string on non-league clubsCredit: RexThe former Cherries academy player, 30, was rushed to a Southampton hospital after horror unfolded on February 1.He had been travelling back from Tavistock with club physio Reighan Taylor, who was uninjured in the smash.The forward, currently on the books at Bashley FC in the Southern League I, suffered “multiple broken bones and other physical injuries”.Nearly six weeks later, Chiedozie has been discharged and welcomed back home by his girlfriend Michaela.Since the crash, more than £32,000 has been raised for the footballer to help support his recovery.Clubs from across the division donated to the GoFundMe page set up by friends and family.Chiedozie has since expressed his overwhelming gratitude.“I was really enjoying my football and enjoying being part of a fantastic bunch of lads at a prestigious club,” he said.Most read in Football“Whatever my future holds I will forever be a Bashley fan, cheering the team from the other side of the fence as soon as I’m fit enough to do so.“Thanks again to everyone not only at our club, but the many other clubs and wonderful football fans who have sent me messages and contributed to the fund the Bashley lads set-up for me.“The level of kindness towards me, even from people who are not football fans, or from Bashley, is something I will never forget. This was typified by the Bishops Cleeve club and their fans at last Saturday’s match.”I will never be able to thank everyone personally, but I hope my comments will show how truly grateful I am to everyone who has helped in whatever way.”Bashley Club chairman Steve Lewis added: “The way the Bishops Cleeve club reacted to the situation regarding our Jordan Chiedozie, was nothing short of magnificent.“They organised a collection for Jordan’s fund both before and at the game – they made tannoy announcements and featured Jordan on several pages of their programme, including the entire front page.“Beyond that they provided a lovely bouquet for our physio, Reighan Taylor, who was, of course, alongside Jordan at the time of that horrible accident.“And they raised nearly £600 for Jordan’s fund. What a truly magnificent effort, and we can’t thank them enough for their kindness.”He added: “We’re delighted to say that Jordan is back home and making good progress. So whatever the score today, that’s one “result” that fans of both sides can be delighted with!”Chiedozie came through at Bournemouth and was with the club when they were in League One and the Championship.He did not play a first-team match for the Cherries and had various loans in non-league before a stint in League Two with Cambridge United.The striker then played in the National League, National League South and Isthmian Leagues.Jordan’s dad John played as a winger for Leyton Orient and Notts County and signed for Tottenham in 1984 for £375,000. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe scored on his debut in a 4-1 win away at Everton but struggled with injuries, eventually leaving for Derby in 1988 with 14 goals from 75 Spurs appearances. The nine-cap Nigeria international finished his career with Bashley in 1992.Chiedozie came through the youth ranks at BournemouthCredit: RexHis dad John Chiedozie played for Notts County, Tottenham and NigeriaCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      I’ve played against Dan Burn – he’s a monster and a proper bloke – Tuchel has hit the jackpot picking him for England

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      IN Dan Burn, England are getting someone with a bit of backbone, character, and leadership.Someone who says what he is feeling no matter what, but also a genuinely nice and proper bloke.Dan Burn has gone from strength to strength with NewcastleCredit: RexThomas Tuchel has named his first England squadCredit: AFPIt looks like Thomas Tuchel was in need of a few older heads with a bit more pride in playing for England, and he has hit the jackpot with Burn.He will be absolutely buzzing when he walks in the door at St George’s Park, and he deserves it. I just hope he gets a real crack of the whip.I remember when I started out at CBS after my playing days doing some punditry, he gave me my first interview after a Newcastle game.He didn’t have to do that, he could have said no, but that’s just the sort of guy he is.I played against him a few times during my Watford career, more so in Burn’s early days at Fulham and Birmingham, and then Brighton, and I have to say, I really enjoyed it.Mainly because I always seemed to get the better of him!He was just a young kid then. He was big height wise – as he is now – but he didn’t know his position well enough and I would just run all over him and dominated him physically.Sometimes you have players who need to move into a new system to improve, and that’s what happened at Brighton alongside their other defensive giants like Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd ever since he has gone to Newcastle, he has been a monster, rebuilding his game and his career from the ground up.He has a great chance now to win a trophy in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool before earning his first senior England cap – not bad at all!Liverpool boss Arne Slot looks ahead to Carabao Cup final against Newcastle And for me, every Englishman should be screaming: ‘We need Newcastle to win’.It’s not a slight against Liverpool in any stretch, but it comes at a time when we have a German coach in Thomas Tuchel leading the England national team.Eddie Howe it seems wasn’t even in the conversation, but winning a trophy would change everything. Not just for him, but for the reputation of English coaches as a whole.If Eddie was to lift the Carabao Cup at Wembley in charge of Newcastle, maybe other owners would think: You know what, I’m going to put my trust in an English coach.Maybe the FA would think: Have we made a mistake?Eddie has won trophies with Bournemouth, but this would be different. We would finally have an English coach who is viewed as a ‘winner’.And maybe it would see Eddie come out of his shell a bit. He is still very reserved, shy even, for all the stuff he has done in his career. Not the personality that the real elite managers often have.Eddie Howe was in good spirits in his pre-match press conferenceCredit: GettyThe Toon boss is often a reserved figure on the touchlineCredit: GettyNo one really labels English coaches as born winners. You have to be Spanish or Portuguese or German. I really want that to change.We want winners as a country, desperate for it. Gareth Southgate came so close but hasn’t won anything yet.Eddie also needs this to prove to Newcastle what he can do, even if he has done so much there already, guiding them to Champions League football while complying with PSR restrictions.Look at how he has been able to transform Jacob Murphy, Lewis Hall – who Chelsea didn’t want – Anthony Gordon, Joelinton, Nick Pope, or even Burn.And in their current form, they have won 14 of their last 19 games in all competitions.If Manchester City and Pep Guardiola did that, we would be going potty saying they are back and that they are going to win the Premier League.It sounds strange, but it will be disappointing if Liverpool end this season with just the Premier League title. Everyone was tipping them for the quadruple before, just like last season.Of course, the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United or even Man City would bite your hand off for a Prem and cup double right now – but Arne Slot has set the bar so high. He needs to reach it now. More

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      ‘That’s actually insane’ – Barcelona star Lamine Yamal spotted on TV at SmackDown after rubbing shoulders with WWE stars

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      BARCELONA star Lamine Yamal stunned fans by appearing on TV at SmackDown.And the teen prodigy could not hide his excitement as he rubbed shoulders with WWE stars.Lamine Yamal was seen in the crowd for WWE SmackDownCredit: TwitterYamal got pictures with Cody RhodesCredit: https://x.com/CastagnaTiffanyYamal could not hold back his excitement during the showCredit: https://x.com/Peps_WrestlingHe was seen in the crowd with team-mates Hector Fort, left, and Alejandro Balde, rightCredit: TwitterThe wrestling promotion was in Barcelona, Spain, for its European Tour, which will also include events in Belgium, Germany, Scotland, and London’s O2 Arena.On Friday night WWE welcomed special guests including Yamal to promote the tour.Yamal, 17, was pictured alongside stars including Triple H, Randy Orton and WWE champion Cody Rhodes.Rhodes was kind enough to allow Yamal to hold his championship belt as they posed for a photo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Kopa Trophy winner was later seen in the crowd alongside Barca team-mates Alejandro Balde, 21, and Hector Fort, 18, enjoying the show at the Olympic Arena.Fans were stunned to see him in attendance, with one writing on social media: “LAMINE YAMAL IN THE CROWD IN SPAIN!”A second said: “Lamine Yamal in the crowd for Smackdown, that’s actually insane.”A third added: “Bro became a WWE legend at 17yo.”Most read in FootballAnother said: “Didn’t expect this collab man.”Captioning his post on Instagram, Yamal said: “New WWE champion?”I sold Lamine Yamal trading card for life changing amount – my wife doesn’t think it’s a silly hobby nowYamal’s performances this season have once again been nothing short of electric, with 12 goals and 17 assists in 37 games.After meeting Yamal, Triple H, now the Chief Content Creator for WWE, said: “The future of @fcbarcelona is brighter than ever… enjoy the show.”Inside the baffling, brilliant story of Lamine Yamal – from being bathed by Messi to doing homework while taking Euros by stormLAMINE YAMAL has confirmed his status as football’s next superstar at Euro 2024 – but has only been playing 11-a-side games for four years, write Jack Rosser.Spain’s incredible 16-year-old bent home the goal of the tournament so far against France as La Roja sealed the spot in the final.But his first five years in Barcelona’s academy were spent playing seven-a-side football, up until the age of 12 in 2020 when he finally got a crack at 11-a-side games.Yamal’s story is baffling, brilliant and barely believable in equal measure.He is a boy born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, who turned 17 the day before the Euros final, and was cradled by footballing royalty at just six months old.Staggering pictures of Yamal as a baby being held and bathed by Messi, taken for a Barcelona charity calendar 16 years ago, resurfaced this week.He did not restrict his brushes with greatness to Barcelona either, with footage of Yamal as an academy player walking as a mascot with Spain and Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos at an El Clasico in 2016.There is a touch of fate about this gem, Spain’s “little MVP”, as team-mate Nico Williams has dubbed him.Yamal has been doing homework in his spare time and received exam results during the tournament. He passed, obviously.Now he’s the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros, also becoming the youngest player to ever start a major semi-final – claiming that title from Pele.But it’s Yamal’s humble approach on and off the pitch that most impresses everyone he meets.And France star Adrien Rabiot probably felt quite embarrassed as he boarded his plane back home from Germany.He had tried to intimidate Yamal ahead of their semi-final clash – telling Yamal he “needs to do more.”Was this good enough, then? Yamal responded with a goal for the ages and a man of the match performance.A season which started with a pre-season game against Tottenham where Yamal excelled but was overshadowed by Oliver Skipp scoring a brace will end on the biggest stage European football has to offer on Sunday.From being outshone by Skipp to eclipsing Pele’s records is not a bad year’s work – just imagine what he will do when he grows up.Read all about the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal in full… More